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isostasy

Syllabification: (i·sos·ta·sy)
Pronunciation: /īˈsästəsē/

Definition of isostasy

noun

Geology
  • the equilibrium that exists between parts of the earth’s crust, which behaves as if it consists of blocks floating on the underlying mantle, rising if material (such as an ice cap) is removed and sinking if material is deposited.

Derivatives

isostatic

Pronunciation: /ˌīsəˈstatik/

adjective

Origin:

late 19th century: from iso- 'equal' + Greek stasis 'station'

isostasy in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of isostasy in the British & World English dictionary