transform fault

American  

[trans-fawrm fawlt] / ˈtræns fɔrm ˌfɔlt /

noun

Geology, Oceanography.

1. a strike-slip fault that offsets a mid-ocean ridge in opposing directions on either side of the axis of seafloor spreading.

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transform fault Scientific  

/ trăns′fôrm′ /

1. A type of strike-slip fault that accommodates the relative horizontal slip between other tectonic elements, such as tectonic plates, and is common along the edges of plates in mid-ocean ridge regions. The lateral displacement along transform faults often ends or changes form abruptly.

2. See Note at fault

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Etymology

Origin of transform fault

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

The same year, it introduced the iPod, which transformed digital music players with features such as its smooth shape and DJ-like wheel for navigating through songs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 6, 2011

The company that transformed digital music is jointly developing a cell phone with Motorola.

From Time Magazine Archive