tectonically
|tec-ton-ic-al-ly|
🇺🇸
/tɛkˈtɑnɪkli/
🇬🇧
/tɛkˈtɒnɪkli/
(tectonic)
earth's structure
Etymology
'tectonic' originates from New Latin 'tectonicus', ultimately from Greek 'tektonikos', where 'tekton' meant 'builder' or 'carpenter'.
'tectonic' changed from Greek 'tektonikos' to New Latin 'tectonicus', entered French as 'tectonique', and eventually became the modern English word 'tectonic'.
Initially it meant 'relating to building or construction', but over time it evolved into its current primary meaning of 'relating to the structure and large-scale processes of the Earth's crust'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a way that relates to the structure, movement, or processes of the Earth's crust (geological sense).
The region is tectonically active, with frequent earthquakes and mountain building.
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Adverb 2
figuratively: in a way that causes very large-scale, fundamental, or transformative change.
The new technology has shifted the industry tectonically, altering markets and business models.
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Last updated: 2026/01/02 15:55