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 In geology, this crust-mantle balance is called isostasy. Carly Miller, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'isostasy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 5 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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