plate tectonics

noun

plural in form but singular in construction

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

ˈplāt-tek-ˈtä-nik 

adjective

Examples of plate tectonics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The episodic-squishy lid builds on the traditional divide between plate tectonics or mobile lid regimes (like modern Earth) and stagnant-lid behavior (like Mars). —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 30 Nov. 2025

The modern understanding of the Ring of Fire emerged with the theory of plate tectonics in the 1960s, which explained the region’s intense seismic and volcanic activity as the result of shifting tectonic plates. —Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025

But over 4 billion years ago, there was no plate tectonics, and Earth was chemically much more simple. —David Bressan, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

In their Reuniting Twins project, the scientists have developed a digital model of Earth that combines solar physics, volcanology, plate tectonics and climate science. —Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for plate tectonics

• avionics
• electronics
• histrionics
• hydroponics
• nucleonics
• ultrasonics
• conics
• onyx
• phonics
• sonics
• tonics
• harmonics

Kids Definition

plate tectonics

noun

1

: a theory in geology: the lithosphere of the earth is divided into a small number of moving plates whose movements cause seismic activity (as earthquakes)

2

: the process of plate movement

plate-tectonic adjective