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 How to pronounce plate tectonics (audio)
adjective

Examples of plate tectonics 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.
Because the moon has no atmosphere, there's no wind or rain erosion, nor are there any plate tectonics. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2026 This heat plays a major role in powering the flow of rocks in the mantle, which shapes everything from plate tectonics to Earth’s magnetic field. — James Dinneen, Quanta Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026 One of the central features of plate tectonics is the formation of new crust at mid-ocean ridges. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2026 On our planet, rubies are made in the extreme heat and pressure of Earth’s crust as a result of plate tectonics. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for plate tectonics

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of plate tectonics was in 1969

Rhymes for plate tectonics

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Browse Nearby Words

plate system
plate tectonics
plate tower
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Cite this Entry

“Plate tectonics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plate%20tectonics. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on plate tectonics

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about plate tectonics

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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