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Definition of "unconformity" [un•con•form•i•ty]

  • Lack of conformity; nonconformity. (noun)
  • Geology A surface between successive strata representing a missing interval in the geologic record of time, and produced either by an interruption in deposition or by the erosion of depositionally continuous strata followed by renewed deposition. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "unconformity" in a sentence
  • "Much of the site displays a spectacular example of a geological unconformity, concordant and discordant coastlines exist, allowing for varied erosional landforms to be created."
  • "Siccar Point, Berwickshire, Scotland, where James Hutton the "father" of modern geology observed the classic unconformity"
  • "And that isn't the only unconformity the calpytraeids are known for."