epicenter

American  

[ep-uh-sen-ter] / ˈɛp əˌsɛn tər /

especially British, epicentre

noun

1. Geology. Also a point, directly above the true center of disturbance, from which the shock waves of an earthquake apparently radiate.

2. a focal point, as of activity.

   Manhattan's Chinatown is the epicenter of the city's Chinese community.

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epicenter Scientific  

/ ĕp′ĭ-sĕn′tər /

1. The point on the Earth's surface that is directly above the focus (the point of origin) of an earthquake. The epicenter is usually the location where the greatest damage associated with an earthquake occurs.

2. See Note at earthquake

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Other Word Forms

• epicentral adjective

Etymology

Origin of epicenter

1885–90; < New Latin epicentrum < Greek epíkentros on the center. See epi-, center

Compare meaning

How does epicenter compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• hypocenter vs. epicenter

Example Sentences

“We refer to these as epicenters of survivorship,” Crisafulli said, who finished his degree and came back to Mount St. Helens to work for the Forest Service.

From Literature

The market, where prices trade at a premium compared with other countries, has become an epicenter of a metals mania that has captivated traders around the world.

From The Wall Street Journal

On Wednesday morning, protesters gathered outside the federal Whipple Building, the epicenter of immigration activity in the city, as a steady stream of federal agents entered and exited.

From Los Angeles Times

Upstate South Carolina is the epicenter of the latest outbreak with 646 cases and some 90 reported in the last week.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The South Bay is the epicenter of the Southern California culture that became really popular in the 1950s all over the world,” says Ebert.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• command post
• focal point
• headquarters
• hotbed