Lithosphere

Pronunciation: /ˈlɪθəˌsfɪr/

Definitions of lithosphere

noun the rigid outer part of the earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle

Example Sentences

A1 The lithosphere is the rigid outer part of the Earth.

A2 The lithosphere includes the crust and upper mantle.

B1 Plate tectonics is the theory that explains the movement of the lithosphere.

B2 The lithosphere is divided into several large plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

C1 Geologists study the lithosphere to understand the Earth's dynamic processes.

C2 The lithosphere plays a crucial role in shaping the Earth's surface and supporting life.

Examples of lithosphere in a Sentence

formal The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.

informal The lithosphere is like the Earth's outer shell, made up of the crust and upper mantle.

slang The lithosphere is basically the Earth's tough outer skin, with the crust and upper mantle.

figurative Think of the lithosphere as the Earth's protective armor, composed of the crust and upper mantle.

Grammatical Forms of lithosphere

• plural: lithospheres
• comparative: more lithosphere
• superlative: most lithosphere
• present tense: lithosphere
• future tense: will lithosphere
• perfect tense: has lithosphered
• continuous tense: is lithosphering
• singular: lithosphere
• positive degree: lithosphere
• infinitive: to lithosphere
• gerund: lithosphering
• participle: lithosphered

Origin and Evolution of lithosphere

First Known Use: 1880 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'lithosphere' originated from the Greek words 'lithos' meaning 'rock' and 'sphaira' meaning 'sphere'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in geology to refer to the rigid outer layer of the Earth, the term 'lithosphere' has evolved to encompass not just the Earth's crust but also the uppermost mantle. It is now commonly used in the field of Earth sciences to describe the solid, outer part of the Earth.