tectonics

[ tek-ton-iks ]

noun

, (used with a singular verb)

1. the science or art of assembling, shaping, or ornamenting materials in construction; the constructive arts in general.
2. structural geology.

tectonics

/ tɛkˈtɒnɪks /

noun

1. the art and science of construction or building
2. the study of the processes by which the earth's crust has attained its present structure See also plate tectonics

tectonics

/ tĕk-tŏn′ĭks /

1. The branch of geology that deals with the broad structural and deformational features of the outer part of the Earth, their origins, and the relationships between them.
2. See more at plate tectonics

Word History and Origins

Origin of tectonics¹

First recorded in 1625–35; tectonic, -ics

Example Sentences

Pressure from the collision of the Indian and the Eurasian plates 40-50 million years ago formed the Himalayas and plate tectonics remains the major reason for their continued rise.

From BBC

Earth scientists have long studied and debated the origin of plate tectonics, and other theories have been offered.

From New York Times

"When we first want to understand how earthquakes work, we look to plate tectonics, because that is and will always be the number one reason why an earthquake happens," Frank says.

From Science Daily

Researchers have used zircons to try to date the onset of plate tectonics and the origin of continental crust.

From Science Magazine

This will help us to understand how rapidly heat is escaping from Earth's deep interior, which is key for understanding processes such as plate tectonics.

From Science Daily