What does tectonics mean?

Answer 1

The word 'tectonic' comes from the Greek word 'tekton' which means 'builder'.

Its typical meaning as an adjective (what you find in a dictionary) is;

1. Geology Relating to, causing, or resulting from structural deformation of the earth's crust.

2. Architecture a. Relating to construction or building.

b. Architectural.

Common modern usage seems to relate to an uncommon or a long-awaited change in a structural layer or deformation; where a 'tectonic shift' would mean a dramatic change of an underlying structure.

Answer 2

Tectonics mean the structures and processes that affect the crust of the earth. Movement of the tectonics is what will cause activities like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.