(1797–1875), Scottish geologist. His textbook Principles of Geology (1830–3) influenced a generation of geologists and held that the earth's features were shaped over a long period of time by natural processes, thus clearing the way for Darwin's theory of evolution.
Definition of Lyell, Sir Charles in US English:
Lyell, Sir Charles
proper nounˈlī(ə)l
(1797–1875), Scottish geologist. He held that the Earth's features were shaped over a long period of time by natural processes.