subduction

noun

sub·​duc·​tion (ˌ)səb-ˈdək-shən 

: the action or process in plate tectonics of the edge of one crustal plate descending below the edge of another

subduct

(ˌ)səb-ˈdəkt 

verb

Examples of subduction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Understanding subduction invasion also shapes our understanding of geological history. —Devika Rao, theweek, 5 Mar. 2024

Advertisement The upgrade also would improve warnings for the Pacific Northwest and California’s North Coast, which are threatened by tsunamis from quakes along the Cascadia subduction zone. —Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2024

The Cascade Range exists because the Juan de Fuca plate (and its broken brother, the Explorer Plate) are sliding down underneath North America in a process called subduction. —Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 2 May 2024

These ancient rocks appear to have been made by subduction, when two plates collide to thrust one of them deep into Earth's mantle. —Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 20 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

French, from Late Latin subduction-, subductio withdrawal, from Latin subducere to withdraw, from sub- + ducere to draw — more at tow entry 1

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above