epicenter
Also epicentrum. Geology. a point, directly above the true center of disturbance, from which the shock waves of an earthquake apparently radiate.
a focal point, as of activity: Manhattan's Chinatown is the epicenter of the city's Chinese community.
Origin of epicenter
1- Also especially British, ep·i·cen·tre .
Other words from epicenter
- ep·i·cen·tral, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use epicenter in a sentence
At present, we are concerned more with the position of their epicentres.
A Study of Recent Earthquakes | Charles DavisonDr. Johnston-Lavis, though recognising the possibility of the existence of two epicentres, prefers another explanation.
A Study of Recent Earthquakes | Charles DavisonThe epicentres may have varied slightly in size, but, in position, it is clear that all four were nearly or quite coincident.
A Study of Recent Earthquakes | Charles DavisonAs both epicentres lie on the west side of this line, the fault must hade or slope in this direction.
A Study of Recent Earthquakes | Charles DavisonThe curves in Fig. 53 illustrate the distribution of epicentres during the latter interval.
A Study of Recent Earthquakes | Charles Davison
Scientific definitions for epicenter
[ ĕp′ĭ-sĕn′tər ]
The point on the Earth's surface that is directly above the focus (the point of origin) of an earthquake. The epicenter is usually the location where the greatest damage associated with an earthquake occurs. See Note at earthquake.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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