An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The science or art of assembling, shaping, or ornamenting materials in construction; the constructive arts in general. → plate tectonics

Etymology (EN): L.L. tectonicus, from Gk. tektonikos “pertaining to building,” from tekton (genitive tektonos) “builder, carpenter,” → technique.

Etymology (PE): Sâzânik, from sâzân pr.p. of sâz-, sâxtan “to build, make, fashion; to adapt, adjust, be fit” (Mid.Pers. sâxtan, sâz-, Manichean Parthian s’c’dn “to prepare, to form;” Av. sak- “to understand, to mark,” sâcaya- (causative) “to teach”) + -ik, → -ics.