Tectonic — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /tek-ˈtä-nik/ tec·ton·ic

Meaning & Definition of Tectonic

Tectonic (adjective)

  1. of or relating to tectonics
  2. having a strong and widespread impact

Word Forms of Tectonic

Derived words: tectonically (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Tectonic

probably borrowed from German tektonisch "pertaining to broader structural features of the earth's crust," earlier "of building or construction," borrowed from Late Latin tectonicus "of a builder or architect," borrowed from Greek tektonikós "of a carpenter, skilled in carpentry or building," from tekton-, téktōn "woodworker, carpenter, craftsman" + -ikos -ic:1; téktōn going back to Indo-European *tetḱ-on- (whence also Sanskrit takṣan-, tákṣā "carpenter," Avestan tašan-, tašā "builder, creator"), n-stem derivative from a verbal base *tetḱ- "fashion, produce," whence Sanskrit tákṣati "(s/he) fashions, builds from wood," Avestan tāšt "(s/he) forms," Latvian tešu, tèst "to hew," Old Church Slavic tešǫ, tesati "to hew, fell," (with o-grade) Lithuanian tašýti "to hew"

First known use: 1894

Words & Phrases Containing Tectonic

plate tectonics

Frequently Asked Questions about Tectonic

What does "Tectonic" mean?

"Tectonic" means of or relating to tectonics. As an adjective, it is defined as: of or relating to tectonics. It has 2 distinct senses.

Is "Tectonic" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Tectonic" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Tectonic"?

"Tectonic" is pronounced /tek-ˈtä-nik/ and divided into syllables as tec·ton·ic.

What is the origin of the word "Tectonic"?

"Tectonic" comes from probably borrowed from German tektonisch "pertaining to broader structural features of the earth's crust," earlier "of building or construction," borrowed from Late Latin tectonicus "of a builder or architect," borrowed from Greek tektonikós "of a carpenter, skilled in carpentry or building," from tekton-, téktōn "woodworker, carpenter, craftsman" + -ikos -ic:1; téktōn going back to Indo-European *tetḱ-on- (whence also Sanskrit takṣan-, tákṣā "carpenter," Avestan tašan-, tašā "builder, creator"), n-stem derivative from a verbal base *tetḱ- "fashion, produce," whence Sanskrit tákṣati "(s/he) fashions, builds from wood," Avestan tāšt "(s/he) forms," Latvian tešu, tèst "to hew," Old Church Slavic tešǫ, tesati "to hew, fell," (with o-grade) Lithuanian tašýti "to hew". First known use: 1894.

What words are derived from "Tectonic"?

Words derived from "Tectonic" include tectonically (adverb).