plate tectonics

plate tectonics

noun pl but singular in constr

Definition of PLATE TECTONICS

1

: a theory in geology: the lithosphere of the earth is divided into a small number of plates which float on and travel independently over the mantle and much of the earth's seismic activity occurs at the boundaries of these plates

2

: the process and dynamics of tectonic plate movement; also : a similar process on a body other than earth

compare continental drift

— plate–tectonic adjective

First Known Use of PLATE TECTONICS

1969