lithosphere
noun/ˈlɪθəˌsfɪr/
Frequency rank: #19,373 most common English word
Meaning
The solid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.

Example sentence
Tectonic plates move slowly because they are part of the rigid lithosphere that covers our planet.
Synonyms & related words
- crust
- geosphere
Practice this word in the quiz
More words in ranks 19,301–19,400
- deprecationThe process of expressing disapproval of something, or officially discouraging the use of a feature or practice.
- enumerateto list items one by one in a clear and ordered way.
- fungicideA chemical substance used to kill or inhibit the growth of fungi.
- geodesicrelating to or denoting the shortest line between two points on a curved surface, or a structure based on such geometry.
- gradationa gradual change from one level, shade, or degree to another.
- olivineA common rock-forming mineral, a magnesium iron silicate, typically olive-green in color.
- oscilloscopeAn instrument that displays electrical signal waveforms on a screen.
- rhizomea horizontal underground stem that sends out roots and shoots from its nodes
- silkwormthe caterpillar of a moth that spins a cocoon of silk thread used in textile production.
- triglycerideA type of fat found in the blood, formed from glycerol and three fatty acids, which serves as a major energy source but can raise cardiovascular risk when elevated.