epicenter
Epicenter (noun) means the point on the earth's surface directly above the underground spot where an earthquake begins. Example: “The epicenter was located twelve miles offshore.”
How to Use Epicenter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe spot on the ground right above where an earthquake starts, or the middle of where something is happening.
The figurative sense is fully established in journalism but is sometimes criticised in formal writing.
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ was located twelve miles offshore.
Etymology
From Greek epi ('upon') plus kentron ('centre'), literally the point upon the centre.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for epicenter
See all rhymes for epicenter →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the epicenter and the hypocenter of an earthquake?
The hypocenter, also called the focus, is the actual point underground where the rock ruptures. The epicenter is the spot on the surface directly above it, which is why it is the location reported in the news.
Is 'epicenter' or 'epicentre' correct?
Both are correct; the difference is regional. 'Epicenter' is standard in the United States, and 'epicentre' is standard in Britain, Ireland, Australia and Canada.
Can you use 'epicenter' to mean 'centre'?
In everyday and journalistic writing, yes, and it is very common. Some careful writers object because the epicenter of a quake is technically above the source rather than at it, so in formal prose plain 'centre' or 'heart' is safer.