diastrophism

[ dahy-as-truh-fiz-uhm ]

noun

, Geology.

1. Also called tectonism. the action of the forces that cause the earth's crust to be deformed, producing continents, mountains, changes of level, etc.
2. any such resulting deformation.

diastrophism

/ daɪˈæstrəˌfɪzəm; ˌdaɪəˈstrɒfɪk /

noun

1. the process of movement and deformation of the earth's crust that gives rise to large-scale features such as continents, ocean basins, and mountains See also orogeny epeirogeny

Derived Forms

• diastrophic, adjective

Other Words From

• di·a·stroph·ic [dahy-, uh, -, strof, -ik, -, stroh, -fik], adjective
• dia·strophi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of diastrophism¹

1880–85; < Greek diastroph ( ḗ ) a distortion ( dia-, strophe ) + -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of diastrophism¹

C19: from Greek diastrophē a twisting; see dia- , strophe