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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The seafloor widens along rift zones, pushing the tectonic plates apart, and gets recycled into Earth’s mantle along subduction zones. David Bressan, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 The subduction zone could reshape life in the Northwest United States. NBC News, 5 Dec. 2024 Most of the world’s earthquakes and tsunamis are caused by the movements of tectonic plates – and the most powerful often occur in subduction zones. Jessie Yeung, CNN, 12 Aug. 2024 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 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

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Cite this Entry

“Subduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subduction. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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