seismic

The word “seismic” means relating to earthquakes or other movements of the ground. In plain terms, to do with earthquakes, or so significant it feels like one.

“Seismic” is pronounced SYZ-mihk (/ˈsaɪzmɪk/ in IPA).

Here is “seismic” used in a sentence: “The region installed new seismic sensors after the last earthquake.”

“Seismic” is an adjective.

The word “seismic” comes from Ancient Greek. Built from Ancient Greek seismos, "shaking, earthquake," plus the adjective ending -ic.

“Seismic” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

“Seismic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to earthquakes or other movements of the ground.

Seismic relates specifically to earthquakes or ground movements, such as seismic waves or seismic activity, while geological is a broader term covering the study of the earth's structure, rocks, and processes generally, only some of which involve movement.

Yes, seismic is frequently used figuratively to describe something with an enormous or far-reaching impact, by comparison to the disruptive power of an earthquake, as in 'a seismic shift in public opinion'.

Seismic began as a technical term in geology and seismology but is now common in everyday language, especially in its figurative sense describing major, transformative change.