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epicenter

Epicenter is defined as the central point of something, or the point of the Earth's surface right above the focus of an earthquake.

(noun)

The central point of an earthquake is an example of an epicenter.
A troubled child who is the central point of his parents concern is an example of an epicenter of concern.

See epicenter in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the area of the earth's surface directly above the place of origin, or focus, of an earthquake
a focal or central point

Also epicentrum

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

Related Forms:

epicentral adjective

See epicenter in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The point of the earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake.
A focal point: stood at the epicenter of the international crisis.

Related Forms:

epˌi·cenˈtral adjective

Usage Note: Epicenter is properly a geological term identifying the point of the earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake. No doubt this is why the Usage Panel approves of figurative extensions of its use in dangerous, destructive, or negative contexts. Eighty-two percent of the Panel accepts the sentence If Rushdie were not at the terrifying epicenter of this furor, it is the sort of event he might write about. The Panel is less fond but still accepting of epicenter when it is used to refer to the focal point of neutral or positive events. Sixty-two percent approve of the sentence The indisputable epicenter of Cortina's social life is the Hotel de la Poste, located squarely in the village center.

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