Clasticity
/klæˈstɪsɪti/noun
The property or tendency of a material to break into fragments rather than deform continuously.
Did you know?The root behind clasticity also appears in geological words for broken rock, preserving an ancient Greek image of matter violently split apart.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kelh₁-
“To cut, strike, or break apart”
Ancient Greek
Greek
kláō (κλάω)
“To break or fracture”
Ancient Greek
Greek
klastós (κλαστός)
“Broken or crushed”
19th Century
Scientific Latin
clasticus
“Relating to fragments or broken pieces”
19th Century
English
clastic
“Composed of fragments, especially fragments of rock”
Modern English
English
clasticity
“The tendency or capacity to break into fragments”
Explore more surprising origins