Skip to main content

plate tectonicsthe theory that Earth's outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle, explaining continental drift and geological activity

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the theory that Earth's outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle, explaining continental drift and geological activity

Pronunciation (IPA): /pleɪt tɛkˈtɑnɪks/

Example Sentences

  • My geology professor explained plate tectonics by comparing Earth to a cracked eggshell floating on soup.
  • The discovery of plate tectonics revolutionized our understanding of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
  • Without plate tectonics, Earth would be as boring as a pancake with no mountains or oceans.

plate tectonics

NOUN

[/pleɪt tɛkˈtɑnɪks/]

the theory that Earth's outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle, explaining continental drift and geological activity

Plate tectonics slowly pushes two continents apart, forming a vast ocean rift.
💡 Concept

Plate tectonics slowly pushes two continents apart, forming a vast ocean rift.

Plate tectonics revealed through electronics!
🎵 Rhyme

Plate tectonics revealed through electronics!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/pleɪt tɛkˈtɑnɪks/
🇬🇧 UK/pleɪt tɛkˈtɒnɪks/

🌳Etymology

Roottekton
Suffix--ics

🎵Rhyme

tectonicselectronicsharmonics
tectonics
electronics
harmonics

🔗Collocations

plate tectonic theory
tectonic plate movement
tectonic activity
continental drift theory
seafloor spreading
convergent plate boundary

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My geology professor explained plate tectonics by comparing Earth to a cracked eggshell floating on soup.

The discovery of plate tectonics revolutionized our understanding of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

😄 Fun example

Without plate tectonics, Earth would be as boring as a pancake with no mountains or oceans.

The Ring of Fire around the Pacific Ocean is a direct result of plate tectonic activity.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

continental driftcrustal movementtectonic theory

Antonyms

static crustfixed continents

Related

geologyseismologyvolcanismlithosphereasthenospheresubductiontransform fault

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.