isostasy

noun

isos·​ta·​sy ī-ˈsä-stə-sē How to pronounce isostasy (audio)
1
: general equilibrium in the earth's crust maintained by a yielding flow of rock material beneath the surface under gravitative stress
2
: the quality or state of being subjected to equal pressure from every side
isostatic adjective
isostatically adverb

Examples of isostasy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In geology, this crust-mantle balance is called isostasy. Carly Miller, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary is- + Greek -stasia condition of standing, from histanai to cause to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of isostasy was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near isostasy

Cite this Entry

“Isostasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isostasy. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

isostasy

noun
isos·​ta·​sy ī-ˈsäs-tə-sē How to pronounce isostasy (audio)
: the state of balance that exists between the earth's crust and the denser rock material beneath
isostatic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on isostasy

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