Pronunciation: /tɛkˈtɑnɪk pleɪt/
noun a large rigid section of the Earth's lithosphere that moves in relation to other plates
A1 Tectonic plates are big pieces of the Earth's crust that move around.
A2 The movement of tectonic plates can cause earthquakes.
B1 Scientists study the interactions between tectonic plates to understand geological processes.
B2 The collision of tectonic plates can create mountain ranges.
C1 The theory of plate tectonics explains how tectonic plates move and interact.
C2 The movement of tectonic plates is responsible for shaping the Earth's surface over millions of years.
formal The movement of tectonic plates is responsible for earthquakes and volcanic activity.
informal Did you know that tectonic plates are like puzzle pieces that fit together to form the Earth's crust?
slang I heard that tectonic plates are like the Earth's jigsaw puzzle pieces.
figurative The shifting of tectonic plates can be seen as a metaphor for the constant changes in our lives.
tectonic plates
tectonic plates
more tectonic
most tectonic
tectonic plate
will be tectonic plate
has been tectonic plate
is being tectonic plate
tectonic plate
tectonic plate
to tectonic plate
tectonic plating
tectonically plated