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

The surfaces of other rocky planets appear to have been affected by ancient volcanic activity, but this would not have been caused by plate tectonics, a geological process that is exclusive to Earth. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025

At the same time, the images can help scientists better understand geological process like plate tectonics. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025

The improved view from SWOT also gives researchers more insight into underwater plate boundaries, a key element in Earth’s plate tectonics. —David Bressan, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

McPhee has been writing for The New Yorker for nearly sixty years, on subjects as varied as oranges, basketball, plate tectonics, barges, roadkill, and, most recently, writing itself. —Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 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