plate tectonics
1plate tectonics — plate tectonic, adj. Geol. a theory of global tectonics in which the lithosphere is divided into a number of crustal plates, each of which moves on the plastic asthenosphere more or less independently to collide with, slide under, or move past… …
2plate tectonics — plate tectonics, n. (Geol.) A geological theory which holds that the crust of the earth (the lithosphere) is divided into a small number of large separate plates which float and move slowly around on the more plastic asthenosphere, breaking apart …
3plate tectonics — Tectonics Tec*ton ics, n. 1. The science, or the art, by which implements, vessels, dwellings, or other edifices, are constructed, both agreeably to the end for which they are designed, and in conformity with artistic sentiments and ideas. [1913… …
4plate tectonics — n. Geol. the theory that the earth s surface consists of plates, or large crustal slabs, whose constant motion explains continental drift, mountain building, etc …
5Plate tectonics — The tectonic plates of the world were mapped in the second half of the 20th century …
6plate tectonics — noun the branch of geology studying the folding and faulting of the earth s crust • Syn: ↑tectonics, ↑plate tectonic theory • Members of this Topic: ↑Pangaea, ↑Pangea • Hypernyms: ↑morphology, ↑ …
7plate tectonics — /pleɪt tɛkˈtɒnɪks/ (say playt tek toniks) noun a theory concerning the movements of the earth s lithosphere that explains how tectonic plates ride on the moving asthenosphere; supporting the theory of continental drift and sea floor spreading.… …
8plate tectonics — N UNCOUNT Plate tectonics is the way that large pieces of the earth s surface move slowly around. [TECHNICAL] …
9plate tectonics — plate′ tecton′ics n. gel a geologic theory that describes the earth s crust as divided into a number of rigid plates, movement of which accounts for such phenomena as continental drift and the distribution of earthquakes • Etymology: 1965–70… …
10plate tectonics — plate tec tonics n [U] technical the study of the forming and movement of the large sheets of rock that form the surface of the Earth …
