tectonic

American  

[tek-ton-ik] / tɛkˈtɒn ɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to building or construction; constructive; architectural.

2. Geology.

   1. pertaining to the structure of the earth's crust.

   2. referring to the forces or conditions within the earth that cause movements of the crust.

   3. designating the results of such movements.

      tectonic valleys.

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tectonic British  

/ tɛkˈtɒnɪk /

adjective

1. denoting or relating to construction or building

2. geology

   1. (of landforms, rock masses, etc) resulting from distortion of the earth's crust due to forces within it

   2. (of processes, movements, etc) occurring within the earth's crust and causing structural deformation

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tectonic Scientific  

/ tĕk-tŏn′ĭk /

1. Relating to the forces involved in plate tectonics or the structural features resulting from them.

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Other Word Forms

• tectonically adverb

Etymology

Origin of tectonic

1650–60; < Late Latin tectonicus < Greek tektonikós pertaining to construction, equivalent to tekton- (stem of téktōn ) carpenter + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

Earth's history is recorded in its tectonic plates.

From Science Daily

The findings could help researchers better understand how the Earth's surface might respond to future climate changes and tectonic activity.

From Science Daily

"Researchers have long suspected that tectonic processes -- that is, movements of the Earth's crust -- played a central role in the formation of the King's Trough," says lead author Dr. Antje Dürkefälden, marine geologist at GEOMAR.

From Science Daily

Studying these deep tremors could provide new clues about the crust mantle boundary and the behavior of the upper mantle, which generates volcanic magma and helps drive tectonic plate motion.

From Science Daily

Both Earth and the Moon experience tectonic forces, but they operate very differently.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• anatomical
• architectural
• basic
• constitutional
• skeletal