PERFECT GIFT IDEA!

The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

4.8

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 632 pages, 147 lessons, 428 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

Buy on Amazon

Amazon Best Seller:

#1 Spelling & Vocabulary.

#1 Education TOEFL & TOEIC.

#1 Slang & Idiom Reference Books.

Transform Your Vocabulary Today!

epicenter

noun

/ˈɛpɪˌsɛntə/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of epicenter

The point on the Earth's surface that is directly above the focus of an earthquake or other seismic event.
"The scientists measured the earthquake's epicenter using seismographs."

Detailed meaning of epicenter

It is the location where the earthquake's energy is released and where the strongest shaking is felt. The term "epicenter" is also used metaphorically to describe the central point or focus of a phenomenon, such as a social or political movement. In seismology, the epicenter is determined by triangulating data from seismographs that measure the waves generated by the earthquake. The location of the epicenter is important for determining the magnitude and intensity of the earthquake, as well as for assessing the risk of damage and potential for aftershocks. In short, the noun epicenter describes the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake or the central point or focus of a phenomenon.

Example sentences containing epicenter

1. The city was the epicenter of the earthquake, suffering the most damage.
2. New York City became the epicenter of the fashion world during Fashion Week.
3. The epicenter of the cultural movement was the university, where students initiated protests.
4. Seismologists determined the epicenter of the earthquake to be just off the coast.
5. The café quickly became the epicenter of the neighborhood’s social life.
6. The capital city was the epicenter of political power and influence in the country.

History and etymology of epicenter

The noun 'epicenter' has its etymology rooted in Greek. It is formed from two Greek words: 'epi,' meaning 'upon' or 'above,' and 'kentron,' meaning 'center.' In the context of seismology, 'epicenter' refers to the point on the Earth's surface that is directly above the focus or hypocenter of an earthquake or other seismic event. The term emphasizes the idea that this point is situated above the central or focal point of the seismic activity. 'Epicenter' reflects its Greek origins in describing the location on the Earth's surface that is directly centered above the underground source of the earthquake's energy release.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun epicenter:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of epicenter

1. The geologists used seismographs to accurately locate the epicenter of the tremors.
2. In the 1920s, Paris was the epicenter of the literary and artistic avant-garde.
3. The stadium was the epicenter of excitement during the championship game.
4. The town became an unexpected epicenter for the film industry when a major studio was built nearby.
5. The epicenter of the outbreak was traced back to a small village.
6. During the gold rush, San Francisco was the epicenter of economic activity.
7. The researchers identified the epicenter of the epidemic and focused their efforts there.
8. The music festival turned the small rural town into the epicenter of indie music for a weekend.
9. Silicon Valley is considered the epicenter of technological innovation in the United States.
10. The earthquake's epicenter determined the extent of damage and aftershocks.
11. Scientists closely monitor seismic activity near potential epicenters.
12. The city, situated near the epicenter, experienced the strongest tremors.
13. The epicenter's coordinates are crucial for accurate earthquake reporting.
14. News reports focused on the disaster's epicenter and its impact.
15. Geologists study rocks near earthquake epicenters to understand seismic forces.
16. Earthquake waves radiate outward from the epicenter, affecting surrounding areas.
17. Emergency responders swiftly deployed to the earthquake's epicenter.
18. The epidemic's epicenter required immediate containment efforts.
19. Understanding the epicenter's depth is essential for assessing quake effects.
20. The epicenter's location profoundly influences earthquake intensity and destruction.
21. Seismologists work tirelessly to predict potential epicenters and magnitudes.
22. The epicenter's shallow depth can lead to more devastating quakes.
23. Immediate aid was dispatched to the earthquake's epicenter to assist affected communities.
24. Accurate mapping of the epicenter helps in disaster preparedness and response.
25. Earthquake epicenters can be pinpointed with advanced seismological instruments.
26. The city's resilience planning focuses on potential epicenters of seismic activity.
27. The epicenter's proximity to fault lines increases the likelihood of quakes.
28. The region's seismic history is characterized by multiple epicenters.
29. The epicenter's location played a critical role in the disaster's impact assessment.