conglomeratic

Conglomeratic is an adjective derived from conglomerate, used primarily in geology and, less often, in business or organizational descriptions. In geology, conglomeratic describes rocks or deposits dominated by rounded clasts larger than about 2 millimeters, bound together by a matrix of sand, silt, or cement. Such rocks are clastic and characteristically indicate deposition by flowing water, though the matrix varies. The distinguishing feature is clast rounding and maturity: rounded fragments indicate considerable transport, while angular fragments form breccias. A rock described as conglomeratic may be called a conglomerate if it is chiefly clast-supported and well-cemented; if the matrix is prominent, the term may apply to a conglomeratic sandstone or conglomeratic mudstone. Conglomeratic deposits commonly form in river channels, alluvial fans, and glacial outwash environments, and can range from coarse-grained to fine-grained variants with a high percentage of clasts.

In a corporate or economic sense, conglomeratic can describe a company, portfolio, or strategy that resembles a conglomerate—diversified across multiple, often unrelated industries. The term is used descriptively rather than as a formal classification and may be found in business histories or analyses discussing diversification, corporate structure, or market strategy.

Etymology derives from Latin conglomerare, to heap together, via French conglomeré.