Word
tectonic
Phoneticstec·ton·ic
US/tɛkˈtɑnɪk/
UK/tɛktˈɒnɪk/
Definitions
01geology
adj. relating to the huge pieces of rock (plates) that move and shape the Earth's surface.
adj. relating to the structure of the Earth's crust and the large-scale processes, such as plate movement, that shape it.
“The earthquake was caused by tectonic plates rubbing against each other.”
“The region is known for its intense tectonic activity, as it sits directly above the subduction zone where two major plates meet.”
Technical
Usage
Usually appears before the noun 'plates' or 'activity'.
Synonyms
02massive and fundamental
adj. describing a very big change that has a powerful effect on a situation.
adj. describing a shift or change that is massive, fundamental, and has far-reaching consequences.
“The invention of the internet caused a tectonic shift in how we communicate.”
“The sudden collapse of the major banks triggered a tectonic shift in global economic policy that lasted for a decade.”
Academic
Usage
Frequently used in the collocation 'tectonic shift'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03architecture
adj. relating to the way a building is designed and put together.
adj. relating to the structural or constructive principles of architecture.
“The architect focused on the tectonic beauty of the exposed steel beams.”
“The building's tectonic integrity is expressed through the visible connection between its heavy stone base and light glass roof.”
Technical · Formal
Usage
Primarily used in academic architectural theory.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“You could hear the rocks moving underneath, like thunder, as if the tectonic plates were shifting beneath you.” “In truth, there are tens of thousands of earthquakes around the world every year as the earth’s tectonic plates are constantly shifting, but the vast majority of these tremors go unnoticed.” “Earth-like tectonic earthquakes are not expected to be common on some other planets and moons, but atmospheric disturbances may still be present.” Etymology
1650s, in sense of building, from Late Latin tectonicus, from Ancient Greek τεκτονικός (tektonikós, “pertaining to building”), from Ancient Greek τέκτων (téktōn, “carpenter, joiner, maker”), from Proto-Indo-European *teḱ- (“to make”) (from which also texture). In sense of geology, attested 1894. By surface analysis, Ancient Greek τέκτων (téktōn) + -ic (“pertaining to”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Collocations
Word family
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Scan code
englishreference.com/q/tectonic