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lithosphere

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lith⋅o⋅sphere

  [lith-uh-sfeer]
Use lithosphere in a Sentence
–noun Geology.
1. the solid portion of the earth (distinguished from atmosphere, hydrosphere ).
2. the crust and upper mantle of the earth.
Origin:
1885–90; litho- + -sphere

Related forms:
lith⋅o⋅spher⋅ic  [lith-uh-sfer-ik] , adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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lith·o·sphere   (lĭth'ə-sfîr')   
n.  The outer part of the earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle, approximately 100 km (62 mi.) thick.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Cultural Dictionary

lithosphere [(lith-uh-sfeer)]

The outer layer of the Earth, comprising the crust and the upper part of the mantle. The lithosphere is about sixty miles thick.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

lithosphere 
"solid part of the earth's surface," from Gk. lithos "stone" + sphere.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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