Alfred Wegener
1
7.5
- proper noun
- The theory of continental drift was proposed by Alfred Wegener.
Examples
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Although initially controversial, Alfred Wegener's idea of continental drift revolutionized earth sciences.
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Alfred Wegener is best known for developing the theory that continents once formed a single landmass.
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Many textbooks discuss the contributions of Alfred Wegener to modern geology.
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Alfred Wegener is often referred to as the father of plate tectonics.
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Alfred Wegener is best known for developing the theory that continents once formed a single landmass.
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Many textbooks discuss the contributions of Alfred Wegener to modern geology.
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Although initially controversial, Alfred Wegener's idea of continental drift revolutionized earth sciences.
Surface Forms
Morphology
Alfred + Wegener
This is a proper name referring to a specific historical person; the constituent tokens 'Alfred' and 'Wegener' are names with no compositional semantic contribution that would indicate his role. A B1 learner who knows the name parts would not be able to infer the biographical meaning (German geophysicist, proposer of continental drift) without prior exposure, so the expression is non-compositional and opaque.
Etymology
Alfred Wegener suggested that all the continents were once one large land, like puzzle pieces that fitted together and later moved apart. That clear image of moving land is why his name is known for the idea of 'continental drift'.