diastrophism
[ dahy-as-truh-fiz-uhm ]
nounGeology.
Also called tectonism. the action of the forces that cause the earth's crust to be deformed, producing continents, mountains, changes of level, etc.
any such resulting deformation.
Origin of diastrophism
1Other words from diastrophism
- di·a·stroph·ic [dahy-uh-strof-ik, -stroh-fik], /ˌdaɪ əˈstrɒf ɪk, -ˈstroʊ fɪk/, adjective
- di·a·stroph·i·cal·ly, adverb
Words Nearby diastrophism
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for diastrophism
diastrophism
/ (daɪˈæstrəˌfɪzəm) /
noun
the process of movement and deformation of the earth's crust that gives rise to large-scale features such as continents, ocean basins, and mountains: See also orogeny, epeirogeny
Origin of diastrophism
1C19: from Greek diastrophē a twisting; see dia-, strophe
Derived forms of diastrophism
- diastrophic (ˌdaɪəˈstrɒfɪk), adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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