seismic
SYZ-mihk
Seismic (adj) means relating to earthquakes or other movements of the ground. Example: “The region installed new seismic sensors after the last earthquake.”
adj
1
Relating to earthquakes or other movements of the ground.
"The region installed new seismic sensors after the last earthquake."
"Engineers designed the tower to withstand seismic activity."
2
Having an enormous or far-reaching impact, by comparison to an earthquake.
"The election result was described as a seismic shift in politics."
How to use seismic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo do with earthquakes, or so significant it feels like one.
Common pairings
seismic activity
seismic shift
seismic waves
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The region installed new _____ sensors after the last earthquake.
Etymology
Built from Ancient Greek seismos, "shaking, earthquake," plus the adjective ending -ic.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “seismic” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “seismic”?
“Seismic” is pronounced SYZ-mihk (/ˈsaɪzmɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “seismic” in a sentence?
Here is “seismic” used in a sentence: “The region installed new seismic sensors after the last earthquake.”
What part of speech is “seismic”?
“Seismic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “seismic” come from?
The word “seismic” comes from Ancient Greek. Built from Ancient Greek seismos, "shaking, earthquake," plus the adjective ending -ic.
Is “seismic” a common word?
“Seismic” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “seismic” have?
“Seismic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to earthquakes or other movements of the ground.
What is the difference between seismic and geological?
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.
Can seismic be used outside of earthquakes?
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'.
Is seismic a technical or everyday word?
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.
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