SUBDUCTION

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does subduction mean? 

• SUBDUCTION (noun)
  The noun SUBDUCTION has 1 sense:

1. a geological process in which one edge of a crustal plate is forced sideways and downward into the mantle below another plate

  Familiarity information: SUBDUCTION used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SUBDUCTION (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A geological process in which one edge of a crustal plate is forced sideways and downward into the mantle below another plate

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural processes

Hypernyms ("subduction" is a kind of...):

geologic process; geological process ((geology) a natural process whereby geological features are modified)

 Context examples 

The study investigated how microbes alter the flow of carbon in subduction zones.

(Major deep carbon sink linked to microbes at volcanic island chains, National Science Foundation)

Previous studies at subduction zones like the Mariana Trench have noted that the subducting plate could hold water.

(Seismic study reveals huge amount of water dragged into Earth’s interior, National Science Foundation)

All the water going into the Earth at subduction zones must be coming back up somehow, not continuously piling up inside the Earth.

(Seismic study reveals huge amount of water dragged into Earth’s interior, National Science Foundation)