subduction

noun

sub·​duc·​tion (ˌ)səb-ˈdək-shən 

: the action or process in plate tectonics of the edge of one crustal plate descending below the edge of another

subduct

(ˌ)səb-ˈdəkt 

verb

Examples of subduction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The breakup of Columbia aligns with the first signs of lower-temperature subduction. —Scott K. Johnson, ArsTechnica, 26 May 2026

Because the mineral contains titanium and potassium, and those elements are associated with the rocks in Earth’s crust, the researchers think kopylovite is produced when sediments sink into the mantle in subduction zones atop slabs of oceanic crust. —James Dinneen, Scientific American, 14 May 2026

Unlike the subduction zones found in Chile and Japan, Cascadia is relatively silent. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 14 May 2026

Scientists have long understood this chain reaction, but a detailed look at how an earthquake-tsunami event unfolds at the source — a subduction-zone trench — has remained difficult to achieve. —Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Late Latin subduction-, subductio withdrawal, from Latin subducere to withdraw, from sub- + ducere to draw — more at tow entry 1

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subduction

• abduction
• adduction
• conduction
• construction
• deduction
• destruction
• eduction
• induction
• instruction
• obstruction
• production
• reduction