adjective
tectonic
tek-TAH-nik/tekˈtɑːnɪk/
Concerning the structure and movement of Earth's crust.
The region's mountains rise as tectonic plates push against each other.
Etymology
The builder root originally made tectonic a word about building or construction. Geology transferred that structural idea to Earth's crust, whose arrangement and movement are the subject of the modern sense.
In context
two tectonic plates collide. As they grind past each other, the heavier plate is pushed beneath the lighter plate.
More examples
- Tectonic movement can trigger earthquakes along faults.
- Scientists study the tectonic history of this mountain range.
- The map shows the boundaries between tectonic plates.
Forms
tectonics noun — Study of Earth's crustal structure and movement.
Similar words
- crustal
- Concerns Earth's crust generally, without specifically emphasizing movement or structure.
- geological
- Covers Earth's composition and history, not just crustal structure and movement.