ENGLISH
REFERENCE

geologic

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌdʒiəˈɫɑdʒɪk// UK //dʒˌɪəlˈɒdʒɪk// ge·o·log·ic

adj. relating to the study of the Earth's physical structure and the rocks it is made of. It describes things that happen over very long periods of time, like the movement of mountains.

adj. relating to the study of the Earth's physical structure, substance, and history. Typically used to describe processes or time scales involving the Earth's crust and rock formations.


SIMPLE

The Grand Canyon shows millions of years of geologic history.

CONTEXTUAL

Scientists use geologic mapping to identify areas at high risk for earthquakes or volcanic activity.

COMPLEX

The movement of tectonic plates is a slow geologic process that reshapes the continents over hundreds of millions of years.

Synonyms
Origin

From geology + -ic, perhaps after French géologique.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun; 'geological' is a more common variant in British English.

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