seaquake

[ see-kweyk ]

noun

1. an agitation of the sea caused by a submarine eruption or earthquake.

seaquake

/ ˈsiːˌkweɪk /

noun

1. obsolete.
   an agitation and disturbance of the sea caused by an earthquake at the sea bed. It is now usually described as an earthquake

seaquake

/ sē′kwāk′ /

1. An earthquake originating under the ocean floor. Seaquakes are caused by shifting of the tectonic plates at the bottom of the ocean. The seabed pushes and pulls on the water above it, sending violent pressure waves toward the surface and often creating tsunamis .

Word History and Origins

Origin of seaquake¹

First recorded in 1670–80; sea + (earth)quake