Dictionary
plate tectonics
noun plural but singular in construction
geology : a scientific theory that the Earth's surface is made of very large sections that move very slowly; also : the movements of the large sections that form the Earth's surface
Full Definition of PLATE TECTONICS
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 adjective
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First Known Use of PLATE TECTONICS
1969
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