tectonic
pronunciation
How to pronounce tectonic in British English:
UK [tekˈtɒnɪk]
How to pronounce tectonic in American English:
US [tekˈtɑnɪk]
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- Adjective:
- pertaining to the structure or movement of the earth's crust
- of or pertaining to construction or architecture
Word Origin
- tectonic (adj.)
- 1650s, "of or relating to building or construction," from Late Latin tectonicus, from Greek tektonikos "pertaining to building," from tekton (genitive tektonos) "builder, carpenter, woodworker; master in any art (sculpture, metal-work, writing)," from PIE root *teks- "to make" (see texture (n.)). The geological sense, "pertaining to the structure of the Earth's crust," is recorded from 1887.
Example
- 1. The tectonic plates of international equity markets are shifting .
- 2. Both mountain regions were formed in response to collisions of earth 's tectonic plates .
- 3. Unfortunately , these studies occurred before the widespread acceptance of plate tectonic theory .
- 4. But this tectonic plate is still relentlessly and menacingly shifting beneath our feet .
- 5. Tectonic shifts pushed up the mountains near fujairah and brought the region its oil .