plate-tectonicadj.
/ˌpleɪttɛkˈtɒnɪk/, U.S. /ˌpleɪtˌtɛkˈtɑnɪk/ Geology.
Of or relating to plate tectonics.
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the world > the earth > earth sciences > theory of formation of earth > [adjective] > plate movement
Wegenerian1960
plate-tectonic1970
1970 Science 5 June 1252/2 The plate tectonic model explains orogenic belts..as the narrow, elongate regions of juncture between moving plates or segments of lithosphere.
1972 Sci. Amer. May 59/1 According to the plate-tectonic view, continents and oceans are rafted along by the same crustal conveyor belt.
1988 P. Wayburn Adventuring in Alaska (rev. ed.) i. 13 Many fresh ideas are presently being examined and tested, and many interesting new aspects of the plate tectonic theory are being explored as well.
1998 Geogr. Jrnl. 164 111/2 The Oman Mountains came about through a fundamental plate-tectonic process, whereby units that originally lay side-by-side in the ocean basin were piled up high to form a mountain range.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1970