noun
epicenter
EP-ih-sen-ter
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.”
noun
1
American spelling; British 'epicentre' The point on the earth's surface directly above the underground spot where an earthquake begins.
"The epicenter was located twelve miles offshore."
"Damage was heaviest within thirty kilometres of the epicenter."
2
The place where something intense, difficult or fast-moving is concentrated or from which it spreads.
"The city became the epicenter of the outbreak within a fortnight."
"That neighbourhood is the epicenter of the country's music scene."
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.
When to use it
The figurative sense is fully established in journalism but is sometimes criticised in formal writing.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
the epicenter of the earthquake
epicenter of the outbreak
near the epicenter
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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.
What is the meaning of epicenter?
"epicenter" (noun) means the point on the earth's surface directly above the underground spot where an earthquake begins.
