foliation
noun/ˌfoʊliˈeɪʃən/
Frequency rank: #19,817 most common English word
Meaning
the arrangement of layers or leaf-like structures in rock or other materials.

Example sentence
The geologist studied the foliation of the metamorphic rock to understand how it had been compressed over millions of years.
Synonyms & related words
- layering
- stratification
- banding
- lamination
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