Definition of earthquake Earthquake

/ɚˈθkwejˌk/ - [erthkweyk] - earth•quake

We found 8 definitions of earthquake from 6 different sources.

What does earthquake mean?

WordNet

Noun Plural: earthquakes
earthquake - shaking and vibration at the surface of the earth resulting from underground movement along a fault plane of from volcanic activity
		quake, temblor, seism
		geological phenomenon a natural phenomenon involving the structure or composition of the earth
		seismic disturbance, shock the violent interaction of individuals or groups entering into combat; "the armies met in the shock of battle"
		earth tremor, microseism, tremor an involuntary vibration (as if from illness or fear)
earthquake - a disturbance that is extremely disruptive; "selling the company caused an earthquake among the employees"

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Wiktionary

earthquake (Noun)
A shaking of the ground, caused by volcanic activity or movement around geologic faults.

Webster DictionaryWebster's Unabridged Dictionary 📘

earthquake (n.)
A shaking, trembling, or concussion of the earth, due to subterranean causes, often accompanied by a rumbling noise. The wave of shock sometimes traverses half a hemisphere, destroying cities and many thousand lives; -- called also earthdin, earthquave, and earthshock.
earthquake (a.)
Like, or characteristic of, an earthquake; loud; starling.

OmegaWiki DictionaryOmegaWiki Dictionary Ω

earthquake
The violent shaking of the ground produced by deep seismic waves, originating from the epicentre.

Wikipedia

In an earthquake the ground moves. Earthquakes commonly last for a few seconds.

There are big earthquakes and small earthquakes. Big earthquakes can damage buildings and hurt people.

When the earth moves in an earthquake, it can cause waves in the ocean. A big wave in the ocean caused by an earthquake is called a "tsunami". A tsunami can also hurt people and damage buildings.

Earthquake Measuring.

The size of an earthquake can be measured. A number is given to an earthquake that shows the size of the earthquake.

Methods for turning the size of an earthquake into a number include the Richter scale and the Modified Mercalli scale.

Cause of earthquakes.

The surface of the Earth is divided into pieces called "tectonic plates". These plates move. When the plates rub against each other, they do not move smoothly. When the plates do not move smoothly, earthquakes result.

Some parts of the world get more earthquakes than other parts. The parts of the earth that get most earthquakes are near the edges of these plates.

Earthquakes send sound waves through the earth. Places many kilometers from the edge of the plates can receive these earthquake waves.

Earthquake-proofing.

Some countries, such as Japan or parts of a country like California in the United States, have a lot of earthquakes. In these places it is a good practice to build houses and other buildings so they will not collapse when there is an earthquake. This is called seismic design or "earthquake-proofing".

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