pinch-and-swell structure

A structural condition common in pegmatites and veins of quartz in metamorphosed rocks; the vein is pinched at frequent intervals, leaving expanded parts between.

Related terms:

• pinch
• swell
• posthumous structure
• Mineral Structure
• ground swell
• swell forecast
• swell direction
• swell-and-swale topography
• sag-and-swell topography
• flanking structure