tectonism
noun
tec·to·nism
ˈtek-tə-ˌni-zəm 
: the process of deformation that produces in the earth's crust its continents and ocean basins, plateaus and mountains, folds of strata, and faults
called also diastrophism
Examples of tectonism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
However, much of the Black Sea basin is bounded by passive margins, where no active tectonism is occurring -- not exactly the sort of place that a submarine volcanic eruption would occur.
—
Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2013
Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2013
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tectonism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
First Known Use
1948, in the meaning defined above
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“Tectonism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tectonism. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
tectonism
noun
tec·to·nism
ˈtek-tə-ˌniz-əm
: the process of deformation that produces the earth's continents, ocean basins, mountains, folds, and faults
More from Merriam-Webster on tectonism
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tectonism
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