# subduction

/sʌbdˈʌkʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/subduction
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

the process where one part of the Earth's crust moves under another part and sinks into the planet. This often happens when two tectonic plates meet.

For teachers: the geological process by which one tectonic plate moves under another and is forced into the mantle. In mathematics, it refers to the operation of subtracting one number from another.

## Examples

- The earthquake was caused by the subduction of the oceanic plate.
- Geologists study subduction zones to better understand how the Earth's crust changes over millions of years.
- The intense pressure generated by the subduction of the denser oceanic plate eventually leads to the melting of the mantle, resulting in volcanic activity along the continental margin.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.