isostasy

1 of 2

noun

isos·​ta·​sy ī-ˈsä-stə-sē 

1

: general equilibrium in the earth's crust maintained by a yielding flow of rock material beneath the surface under gravitative stress

2

: the quality or state of being subjected to equal pressure from every side

isostatic

ˌī-sə-ˈsta-tik 

adjective

isostatically

ˌī-sə-ˈsta-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

isostatic

2 of 2

adjective

iso·​static

1

a

: subjected to equal pressure from every side

b

: being in hydrostatic equilibrium

2

: relating to or characterized by isostasy

isostatically adverb

Examples of isostasy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In geology, this crust-mantle balance is called isostasy. —Carly Miller, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

International Scientific Vocabulary is- + Greek -stasia condition of standing, from histanai to cause to stand — more at stand

Adjective

International Scientific Vocabulary is- + static; originally formed as French isostatique

First Known Use

Noun

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

isostasy

noun

isos·​ta·​sy ī-ˈsäs-tə-sē 

: the state of balance that exists between the earth's crust and the denser rock material beneath

isostatic

ˌī-sə-ˈstat-ik 

adjective