subduction

noun

sub·​duc·​tion (ˌ)səb-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce subduction (audio)
: the action or process in plate tectonics of the edge of one crustal plate descending below the edge of another
subduct verb

Examples of subduction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The Pacific nation is located on a subduction zone that is one of the most active on earth, and this makes earthquakes exceeding magnitude 6 a common occurrence. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 Its position on a subduction zone — where the Indo-Australia tectonic plate moves beneath the Pacific Plate — means earthquakes of greater than magnitude 6 are not uncommon and the country’s buildings are intended to withstand quakes. Charlotte Graham-McLay, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024 Earthquakes on subduction faults, where two plates collide and one is thrust beneath another, have a larger risk of creating big tsunamis than earthquakes on strike-slip faults, such as the San Andreas, where plates are rubbing alongside each other. Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 8 Dec. 2024 They're triggered when earthquakes cause a sudden movement of the ocean floor, typically from vertical shifts associated with subduction zones where one tectonic plate slips under the other. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for subduction 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of subduction was in 1970

Dictionary Entries Near subduction

Cite this Entry

“Subduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subduction. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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