tectonics
tectonics Lexical Profile
tectonics Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The branch of geology concerned with the large-scale processes and forces that control the structure, deformation, and features of the Earth's crust.
"Modern geology was revolutionized by the study of plate tectonics in the mid-twentieth century."
The science or art of assembling, shaping, and ornamenting materials in building construction so as to integrate structural function with aesthetic design.
"The professor's lecture on architectural tectonics emphasized how exposed steel beams can be both functional and visually expressive."
• Rhymes for tectonics
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from Late Latin tectonicus, from Ancient Greek tektonikos ('pertaining to building'), from tekton ('carpenter, builder'). The geological sense relating to the structure of the Earth's crust emerged in the late 19th century.