Epicenter: meaning, definitions and examples

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epicenter

 

[ หˆษ›pษชหŒsษ›ntษ™r ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

geological term

The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface that is directly above the origin of an earthquake, known as the focus or hypocenter. This location is critical in seismic studies, as it helps determine the intensity and impact of the quake. The distance between the epicenter and various locations can be measured to understand how seismic waves travel. Identifying the epicenter plays a crucial role in disaster response and preparedness efforts.

Synonyms

focus, hypocenter

Examples of usage

  • The earthquake's epicenter was located near the coast.
  • Seismologists tracked the epicenter to assess the damage.
  • Residents felt tremors far from the epicenter.

Translations

Translations of the word "epicenter" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น epicentro

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅ‡เค‚เคฆเฅเคฐ (เค•เฅ‡เค‚เคฆเฅเคฐ เคฌเคฟเค‚เคฆเฅ)

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Epizentrum

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ episentrum

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะตะฟั–ั†ะตะฝั‚ั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ epicentrum

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้œ‡ๅคฎ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท รฉpicentre

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ epicentro

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท epikentri

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ง„์•™

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุฑูƒุฒ ุงู„ุฒู„ุฒุงู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ epicentrum

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ epicentrum

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้œ‡ไธญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ epicenter

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ epicentrum

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะฟะธั†ะตะฝั‚ั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ”แƒžแƒ˜แƒชแƒ”แƒœแƒขแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ epikentr

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ epicentro

Word origin

The word 'epicenter' originated in the early 20th century, derived from the combination of the prefix 'epi-' meaning 'upon' or 'over' from Greek, and 'center,' which comes from Latin 'centrum,' meaning 'the middle point.' Initially used in the context of geography and geology, the term's usage expanded with the development of seismology as a scientific discipline. Its application in earthquake studies became crucial, as researchers sought to pinpoint the exact location of seismic activities. The concept of the epicenter has become widely recognized not just in academic circles but also in public awareness, especially following major seismic events.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,037, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.