Richter scale

noun

1. a scale, ranging from 1 to 10, for indicating the intensity of an earthquake.

Richter scale

/ ˈrɪxtə /

noun

1. a scale for expressing the magnitude of an earthquake in terms of the logarithm of the amplitude of the ground wave; values range from 0 to over 9 Compare Mercalli scale See also magnitude

Richter scale

/ rĭk′tər /

1. A logarithmic scale used to rate the strength or total energy of earthquakes. The scale has no upper limit but usually ranges from 1 to 9. Because it is logarithmic, an earthquake rated as 5 is ten times as powerful as one rated as 4. An earthquake with a magnitude of 1 is detectable only by seismographs; one with a magnitude of 7 is a major earthquake. The Richter scale is named after the American seismologist Charles Francis Richter (1900–1985).
2. See Note at earthquake

Richter scale

1. A scale used to rate the intensity of earthquakes . The scale is open-ended, with each succeeding level representing ten times as much energy as the last. A serious earthquake might rate six to eight, and very destructive quakes rate higher.

Notes

No quake greater than nine has ever been recorded.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Richter scale¹

1935–40; after Charles F. Richter (1900–85), U.S. seismologist

Word History and Origins

Origin of Richter scale¹

C20: named after Charles Richter (1900–85) US seismologist

Example Sentences

And their resulting roar might have registered on the Richter scale.

From Los Angeles Times

Her albums set sales records, her concerts register on the Richter scale, and her relationship with American Football star Travis Kelce gave the Super Bowl its highest-ever audience - even though she didn’t even play.

From BBC

An earthquake measuring 2.1ML on the Richter scale has hit parts of the Highlands.

From BBC

My heartbeat quickened, my stress levels surpassing total destruction on the Richter scale.

From Literature

It announced itself with such gratifying force — registering a 6.8 on the crunch Richter scale and drowning out all hope of decorous conversation with each handful I took up.

From Salon