Wegener hypothesis

noun

We·​ge·​ner hypothesis
ˈvāgənə(r)-
: a hypothesis in geology : the existing continents were originally one land area of which portions have separated and since Carboniferous time have slowly drifted apart moving on a plastic substratum

Word History

Etymology

after Alfred L. Wegener †1930 German geophysicist

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Cite this Entry

“Wegener hypothesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Wegener%20hypothesis. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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