plutonism

Meanings

1. The old geological theory that the rocks forming the Earth were formed in fire by volcanic activity, with a continuing gradual process of weathering and erosion, then deposited on the sea bed, re-formed into layers of sedimentary rock by heat and pressure, and raised again.

1. Alternative letter-case form of plutonism.

Etymology

From Pluto + -ism, after the classical ruler of the underworld.