noun
Uncommon
Richter
RIHKT-uh
Richter (noun) means used (followed by a number) to state the magnitude of an earthquake on the Richter scale. Example: “The tremor measured 4.2 on the Richter scale.”
noun
1
Used (followed by a number) to state the magnitude of an earthquake on the Richter scale.
"The tremor measured 4.2 on the Richter scale."
How to use Richter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe scale used to describe how strong an earthquake is.
Common mistake
Seismologists now generally use the moment magnitude scale instead, but "Richter scale" is still the term most people use in everyday speech.
Common pairings
Richter scale
measured on the Richter scale
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The tremor measured 4.2 on the _____ scale.
Etymology
Named after American seismologist Charles F. Richter, who co-developed the scale in the 1930s.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “Richter” mean?
The word “Richter” means used (followed by a number) to state the magnitude of an earthquake on the Richter scale. In plain terms, the scale used to describe how strong an earthquake is.
How do you pronounce “Richter”?
“Richter” is pronounced RIHKT-uh (/ˈɹɪkt.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “Richter” in a sentence?
Here is “Richter” used in a sentence: “The tremor measured 4.2 on the Richter scale.”
What part of speech is “Richter”?
“Richter” is a noun.
Where does the word “Richter” come from?
The word “Richter” dates back to around 1930. Named after American seismologist Charles F. Richter, who co-developed the scale in the 1930s.
Is “Richter” a common word?
“Richter” is an uncommon word in modern English.
