plate definition science
The term plate refers to the large pieces of the earth's lithosphere that are in constant motion; you may see them referred to as lithospheric plates. Tectonics is the branch of geology dealing with how continents form, change, and move over time, plus the study of mountain-building episodes.
Definition of PLATEN. 1. : a flat plate; especially: one that exerts or receives pressure (as in a printing press).2. : the roller of a typewriter or printer. ADVERTISEMENT.. : a flat plate; especially: one that exerts or receives pressure (as in a printing press).