An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Geology: The process by which one tectonic plate slides down and below another tectonic plate as the two converge. The subduction zone is the zone of convergence of two tectonic plates, one of which usually overrides the other.

Etymology (EN): From L. subductionem (nominative subductio), from subductus, p.p. of subducere “to draw away, withdraw, remove,” from → sub- + ducere “to lead.”

Etymology (PE): Zir-hâzeš, verbal noun of zir-hâzidan, from zir-→ sub- + hâzidan, hâxtan, from Mid.Pers. “to lead, guide, persuade;” Av. hak-, hacaiti “to attach oneself to, to join;” cf. Skt. sacate “accompanies, follows;” Gk. hepesthai “to follow,"; L. sequi “to follow;” PIE *sekw-.