seismic

American  

[sahyz-mik, sahys-] / ˈsaɪz mɪk, ˈsaɪs- /

Sometimes seismal

adjective

1. pertaining to, of the nature of, or caused by an earthquake or vibration of the earth, whether due to natural or artificial causes.

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seismic British  

/ ˈsaɪzmɪk /

adjective

1. Also (less commonly): seismical.  relating to or caused by earthquakes or artificially produced earth tremors

2. of enormous proportions or having highly significant consequences

   seismic social change

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seismic Scientific  

/ sīz′mĭk /

1. Relating to an earthquake or to other tremors of the Earth, such as those caused by large explosions.

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Other Word Forms

• nonseismic adjective
• seismically adverb
• unseismal adjective
• unseismic adjective

Etymology

Origin of seismic

First recorded in 1855–60; seism + -ic

Example Sentences

The gesture provoked a seismic reaction internationally while infuriating Olympic officials who claimed Smith and Carlos used the world stage to humiliate their home country.

From Los Angeles Times

More recently built structures need fewer upgrades and may not require seismic retrofits to meet safety codes.

From Los Angeles Times

Interim County Executive Officer Joseph M. Nicchitta said he viewed it as a potential “seismic change” in how the county handles labor negotiations.

From Los Angeles Times

They did not do much wrong when their opponents were seemingly charging towards a seismic victory, with Nepal's inspired batting deserving of huge credit.

From BBC

One method China has used to obscure its activities, he said, has been “decoupling,” in which steps are taken to decrease the possibility of detecting nuclear tests through international seismic monitoring.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• tectonic