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

With the help of a slideshow, Grace hosted lectures on everything from the origin of the volcanic islands and plate tectonics to Charles Darwin’s role in the islands’ discovery. —Jennifer Flowers, AFAR Media, 15 May 2025

On Earth, there’s constant weathering, erosion, volcanism as well as plate tectonics, the means by which our planet recycles its crust. —Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

This mechanism, the researchers suggest, could explain why Venus remains geologically active despite lacking plate tectonics. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 14 May 2025

Mountains rise, volcanoes spew, and Earth itself quakes as the crust constantly remakes itself in the ceaseless cycle of plate tectonics. —Elise Cutts, Scientific American, 13 May 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