craton

[ krey-ton ]
/ ˈkreɪ tɒn /

noun Geology.

a relatively rigid and immobile region of continental portions of the earth's crust.
See also platform(def 15), shield(def 13).

Origin of craton

1940–45; < German Kraton, based on Greek krátos power; cf. -cracy, -on2

Words nearby craton

crater lake, crater lake national park, crater mound, craterlet, craters of the moon, craton, cratur, craunch, cravat, cravat bandage, crave

British Dictionary definitions for craton

craton
/ (ˈkreɪtən) /

noun

geology a stable part of the earth's continental crust or lithosphere that has not been deformed significantly for many millions, even hundreds of millions, of years See shield (def. 7)

Derived forms of craton

cratonic (krəˈtɒnɪk), adjective

Word Origin for craton

C20: from Greek kratos strength

Scientific definitions for craton

craton
[ krā′tŏn′ ]

A large portion of a continental plate that has been relatively undisturbed since the Precambrian era and includes both shield and platform layers.