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adj. 1. Geology a. Relating to or resulting from the forces that create the structural and deformational features of the earth's lithosphere, especially its continents, oceans, and mountains. b. Of or relating to a tectonic plate or plates. 2. a. Relating to construction or building. b. Architectural. 3. Of great, often disruptive consequence or significance: tectonic shifts in the industry. [Late Latin tectonicus, from Greek tektonikos, from tektōn, builder; see teks- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] tec·toni·cal·ly adv.  (click for a larger image) tectonictectonic rift where the North American Plate is pulling away from the Eurasian Plate Thingvellir, Iceland |
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