Meaning & use

rock cycle

noun·Academic

The continuous geological process by which rocks change between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic forms over time.

See it in a sentence

The teacher used a diagram to show how the rock cycle turns magma into igneous rock.

Weathering and heat both play a role in driving the rock cycle forward.

A note on using this word

Always used with 'the' before it, and the three rock types (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic) are central to explaining it.

Words with a similar meaning

This term is best learned through its definition and examples.

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “rock cycle”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.