tectonics

American  

[tek-ton-iks] / tɛkˈtɒn ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the science or art of assembling, shaping, or ornamenting materials in construction; the constructive arts in general.

2. structural geology.

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tectonics British  

/ tɛkˈtɒnɪks /

noun

1. the art and science of construction or building

2. the study of the processes by which the earth's crust has attained its present structure See also plate tectonics

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tectonics Scientific  

/ tĕk-tŏn′ĭks /

1. The branch of geology that deals with the broad structural and deformational features of the outer part of the Earth, their origins, and the relationships between them.

2. See more at plate tectonics

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Etymology

Origin of tectonics

First recorded in 1625–35; see origin at tectonic, -ics

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tectonics

On Earth, plate tectonics plays a major role in volcanism, recycling crustal material and helping build continents.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 4, 2026

Volcanoes create new rock, plate tectonics reshape the continents and ocean floors, and weathering gradually breaks down exposed landscapes.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 18, 2026

"In addition, our results can be fed into tectonic models that are coupled with climate to really explore how shifting tectonics and climates influenced our evolution."

From Science Daily ● Apr. 25, 2026

And with no plate tectonics, or wind and rain to wipe this record away, the Moon is a perfect time capsule.

From BBC ● Mar. 29, 2026

The same article called the new science plate tectonics.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

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