mélange

views updated May 08 2018

mélange A mappable body of rock composed of broken rock fragments, of all sizes and many origins, in a sheared matrix. A mélange with a chaotic nature, initially of sedimentary origin, is called an ‘olistostrome’. Tectonic mélanges are thought to form in subduction zones at shallow depth.

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY

mélange

views updated May 23 2018

mé·lange / māˈlänj/ (also me·lange) • n. a mixture; a medley: a mélange of tender vegetables and herbs.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

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