sb. and adj. [f. UNIFORMIT-Y + -arian.)
A. sb. 1. Geol. One who maintains or accepts the theory that geological processes and phenomena have always been and still are due to causes or forces operating continuously and with uniformity. (Opposed to CATASTROPHIST or CONVULSIONIST.)
1840. Whewell, Philos. Induct. Sciences, I. p. xxxvi. The Catastrophist constructs Theories, the Uniformitarian demolishes them.
1860. Huxley, Darwiniana, Coll. Ess. 1893, II. 65. The most philosophical uniformitarian of the present day.
1891. Sir R. Ball, Ice Age, 173. It places the ice-sheet … at the disposal of the geological uniformitarian.
2. An advocate of uniformity; a uniformist. rare.
1890. Gildersleeve, Ess & Stud., 214. The Procrustean work of a miserable uniformitarian.
B. adj. 1. Geol. Of or pertaining to, characteristic of or held by, uniformitarians.
1840. Whewell, Philos. Induct. Sciences, II. 135. The uniformitarian doctrine on this subject rests on most unstable foundations.
1869. Huxley, in Scientific Opinion, 21 April, 464/3. The influence of uniformitarian views has been … favourable to the progress of sound geology.
1884. H. Spencer, in Contemp. Rev., July, 25. The leading expositor of the uniformitarian theory in Geology.
b. In accordance with the theory of the uniformitarians; proceeding from geological uniformity.
1869. Huxley, in Scientific Opinion, April, 487/1. All these irregular … catastrophes would be the result of an absolutely uniformitarian action.
c. Of persons: Holding or adhering to the theory or doctrines of the uniformitarians.
1864. Bowen, Logic, ix. 301. The speculations of those whom Dr. Whewell calls the uniformitarian school of geologists.
1895. Q. Rev., April, 386. The most influential uniformitarian geologist of our age.
2. Of or pertaining to, advocating or practicing, uniformity in something.
1897. Daily News, 12 July, 6/3. The Puritanism of the intolerant, uniformitarian Presbyterians.
