noun
tectonics
tek-TAH-niks/tɛktˈɑnɪks/
The structure and movement of Earth's crust.
Plate tectonics slowly reshapes Earth's surface as massive plates move.
Etymology
With its builder root and discipline ending, tectonics first referred to the constructive arts. Its geological use transferred the idea of construction to the structural arrangement of Earth's crust.
In context
Geologists believe this force was caused by plate tectonics. The Earth's crust is broken up into a series of interlocking plates.
More examples
- Active tectonics keeps this mountain range rising.
- The region's complex tectonics produces frequent earthquakes.
- These folded rock layers reveal the area's ancient tectonics.
Forms
tectonics
tectonic adjective — Relating to Earth's crustal structure and movement.
Similar words
- plate tectonics
- Specifically describes the movement and interaction of Earth's rigid plates.
- geodynamics
- Covers forces and motion throughout Earth, not just its crust.