lithosphere
[ lith-uh-sfeer ]
/ ˈlɪθ əˌsfɪər /
noun Geology.
the solid portion of the earth (distinguished from atmosphere, hydrosphere).
the crust and upper mantle of the earth.
Also called
ge·o·sphere
[jee-uh-sfeer] /ˈdʒi əˌsfɪər/.
OTHER WORDS FROM lithosphere
lith·o·spher·ic [lith-uh-sfer-ik] /ˌlɪθ əˈsfɛr ɪk/, adjectiveWords nearby lithosphere
lithoprint,
lithops,
lithoscope,
lithosere,
lithosol,
lithosphere,
lithostatic,
lithostratigraphy,
lithotomy,
lithotomy position,
lithotripsy
British Dictionary definitions for geosphere (1 of 2)
British Dictionary definitions for geosphere (2 of 2)
lithosphere
/ (ˈlɪθəˌsfɪə) /
noun
the rigid outer layer of the earth, having an average thickness of about 75 km and comprising the earth's crust and the solid part of the mantle above the asthenosphere
Scientific definitions for geosphere
lithosphere
[ lĭth′ə-sfîr′ ]
The outer part of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle. It is about 55 km (34 mi) thick beneath the oceans and up to about 200 km (124 mi) thick beneath the continents. The high velocity with which seismic waves propagate through the lithosphere suggests that it is completely solid. Compare asthenosphere atmosphere hydrosphere.