Isostasy
[ahy-sos-tuh-see] /aɪˈsɒs tə si/
noun
1.
Geology. the equilibrium of the earth’s crust, a condition in which the forces tending to elevate balance those tending to depress.
2.
the state in which pressures from every side are equal.
/aɪˈsɒstəsɪ/
noun
1.
the state of balance, or equilibrium, which sections of the earth’s lithosphere (whether continental or oceanic) are thought ultimately to achieve when the vertical forces upon them remain unchanged. The lithosphere floats upon the semifluid asthenosphere below. If a section of lithosphere is loaded, as by ice, it will slowly subside to a new equilibrium position; if a section of lithosphere is reduced in mass, as by erosion, it will slowly rise to a new equilibrium position
n.
1889, from iso- + Greek stasis “setting, weighing, standing” (see stet). Related: Isostatic.
isostasy
(ī-sŏs’tə-sē)
Equilibrium in the Earth’s crust, in which an elevated part in one area is counterbalanced by a depressed part in another. Isostasy exists because the Earth’s crust is relatively light compared to the denser mantle over which it lies, and therefore behaves as if it is floating. Areas of the Earth’s crust rise or subside to accommodate added load (as from a glacier) or diminished load (as from erosion), so that the forces that elevate landmasses balance the forces that depress them.
isostatic adjective (ī’sō-stāt’ĭk)
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[ahy-suh-stat-ik] /ˌaɪ səˈstæt ɪk/ adjective 1. of, relating to, or characterized by . isostasy (ī-sŏs’tə-sē) Equilibrium in the Earth’s crust, in which an elevated part in one area is counterbalanced by a depressed part in another. Isostasy exists because the Earth’s crust is relatively light compared to the denser mantle over which it lies, and […]
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[ahy-suh-stee-muh-nuh s, -stem-uh-] /ˌaɪ səˈsti mə nəs, -ˈstɛm ə-/ adjective, Botany. 1. having stamens equal in number to the sepals or petals. /ˌaɪsəʊˈstiːmənəs; -ˈstɛm-/ adjective 1. (botany) (of a flower) having the stamens arranged in a single whorl and equal to the number of petals
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[ahy-suh-ster-ik] /ˌaɪ səˈstɛr ɪk/ adjective 1. Chemistry. having the same number of valence electrons in the same configuration but differing in the kinds and numbers of atoms. 2. Meteorology. having or showing equal atmospheric density. /ˌaɪsəʊˈstɛrɪk/ adjective 1. (of two different molecules) having the same number of atoms and the same number and configuration of […]
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[ahy-suh-steer] /ˈaɪ səˌstɪər/ noun 1. Chemistry. a compound isosteric with one or more other compounds. 2. Meteorology. a line on a map or chart connecting points of equal atmospheric density.
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[ahy-sos-tuh-riz-uh m] /aɪˈsɒs təˌrɪz əm/ noun 1. Chemistry. the quality or state of being isosteric. 2. Pharmacology. the theory that isosteric compounds have identical or similar pharmacological action.