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
Examples of subduction in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In contrast, the North American craton underwent trench retreat following flat-slab subduction but did not exhibit significant slab rollback.
—
Devika Rao, theweek, 30 Oct. 2024
Washington is earthquake-prone, with a risk of a major seismic event, especially along the Cascadia subduction zone.
—Christine Clarridge, Axios, 17 Oct. 2024
The world's most powerful earthquakes happen along subduction zones, where one tectonic plate slides beneath the other.
—David Bressan, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
The ‘big one’ The Nankai Trough is a 700-kilometer long (435-mile) subduction zone, which refers to when tectonic plates slip beneath each other.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN, 12 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for subduction 
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.
Devika Rao, theweek, 30 Oct. 2024
Washington is earthquake-prone, with a risk of a major seismic event, especially along the Cascadia subduction zone.
—Christine Clarridge, Axios, 17 Oct. 2024
The world's most powerful earthquakes happen along subduction zones, where one tectonic plate slides beneath the other.
—David Bressan, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
The ‘big one’ The Nankai Trough is a 700-kilometer long (435-mile) subduction zone, which refers to when tectonic plates slip beneath each other.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN, 12 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for subduction
Dictionary Entries Near subduction
Cite this Entry
“Subduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subduction. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share