petro-, petr-, petri-, peter-
(Greek > Latin: stone, rock)
petrodophilous (adjective), more petrodophilous, most petrodophilous
In biology, relating to animals and plants that thrive in boulders and other rocky environments: The petrodophilous rock chuck, or ground squirrel, lives above 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) and protects itself on rocky slopes where there are many crevices to find shelter from surprise attacks.
A plant or an animal which prospers in areas with stones or boulders: The biology class went on a field trip to the Mojave Desert where they were able to see a chuckwalla lizard, a petrodophily, which was protecting itself by being wedged securely in the crevice of a rock.
Plants that grow on rocky banks or long areas of land with sloping sides of stones: Jane and Joe had a wonderful time walking among the boulders and seeing all of the petrodophytes that were growing there.
A study dealing with the origins and formations of rocks: While studying geology at college, Jim took courses dealing with the petrogenesis of the sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic development of granite, slate, dolomite, quartz, lava, etc.
petrogenetic (adjective), more petrogenetic, most petrogenetic
Relating to the science of rocks and stones that relates to their origins: The crust of the earth, created by the cooling of molten material, was formed by a petrogenetic process.
A carving or a drawing on rocks that are usually made by prehistoric people or some individual: Allen, an anthropologist, found a petroglyph that had been chipped into a stone wall of a cave.
petroglyphic (adjective), more petroglyphic, most petroglyphic
Descriptive of figures that have been created on rocks: Some petroglyphic scratches have been discovered on a cave wall in a desert cave which are believed to be several hundred years old but appear to be fresh.
petroglyphics (noun) (plural form used as a singular)
The pictures which have been carved into rocks: Petroglyphics, which have been chiseled into stones by the Mayo people about 500 years ago, can be seen at the Tehuelibampo Museum in the state of Sonora in the northern part of Mexico.
The art or process of carving on the surfaces of rocks: Prehistoric people are known for their skill of petroglyphy including inscriptions or drawings on stones or on the sides of boulders.
A drawing or painting on rocks: Some members of ancient tribes spent part of their time creating petrograms which were illustrations of their experiences in their everyday lives.
A classification of rock textures and their mineralogical relationships by using microscopic examinations: While Sam was studying the elements of rocks, he found descriptions of petrographs in a special book about geology which provided a better understanding.
Someone who compiles descriptions and the systematic classifications of rocks: Not only does a petrographer classify granite, diamonds, boulders, etc., but he or she also tries to find out why concrete cracks!
petrographic (adjective), more petrographic, most petrographic
A reference to the descriptions and classifications of rocks: Petrographic procedures are used in laboratory examinations of marble, for example, by using acid, an electromagnet, and chemical analysis.
petrographical (adjective), more petrographical, most petrographical
Relating to the branch of the study of stones and rocks dealing with the descriptions and classifications of rocks; especially, by microscopic examinations: Manual used the petrographical data he had gathered in his research on lava and obsidian to complete the final examination paper for his geology class.
petrographically (adverb), more petrographically, most petrographically
Characterizing how minerals are identified in thin-sections with the use of a special microscope and polarized light: During his course in geology, Steven learned how to petrographically classify inorganic substances by using a special optical instrument which enlarged the material several hundred times.
