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epicenter definition

epi·cen·ter (ep′i sent′ər)

noun

  1. the area of the earth's surface directly above the place of origin, or focus, of an earthquake
  2. a focal or central point
Also epicentrum ep′·i·cen′·trum (-sen′trəm)

Etymology: < ModL epicentrum < epi- + L centrum, center

Related Forms:

  • epicentral ep′i·cen′·tral (-sen′trəl) adjective

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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