adj
tectonic
Tectonic (adj) means relating to the large-scale structure and movement of the Earth's crust. Example: “The earthquake was caused by tectonic plate movement.”
adj
1
Relating to the large-scale structure and movement of the Earth's crust.
"The earthquake was caused by tectonic plate movement."
2
Massive or extremely significant in scale.
"The merger caused a tectonic shift in the industry."
How to use tectonic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsually refers to the movement of the Earth's crust, or figuratively to a huge, sweeping change.
Common pairings
tectonic plates
tectonic shift
tectonic activity
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The earthquake was caused by _____ plate movement.
Etymology
From Greek tektonikos ("pertaining to building"), from tekton ("builder, carpenter"). Its geological sense dates from the 1890s.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for tectonic
See all rhymes for tectonic →Frequently asked questions
What does “tectonic” mean?
The word “tectonic” means relating to the large-scale structure and movement of the Earth's crust. In plain terms, usually refers to the movement of the Earth's crust, or figuratively to a huge, sweeping change.
How do you use “tectonic” in a sentence?
Here is “tectonic” used in a sentence: “The earthquake was caused by tectonic plate movement.”
What part of speech is “tectonic”?
“Tectonic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “tectonic” come from?
The word “tectonic” dates back to around 1890 and comes from Greek. From Greek tektonikos ("pertaining to building"), from tekton ("builder, carpenter"). Its geological sense dates from the 1890s.
How many meanings does “tectonic” have?
“Tectonic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to the large-scale structure and movement of the Earth's crust.
