foreshock

[ fawr-shok, fohr- ]

noun

, Geology.

1. a relatively small earthquake that precedes a greater one by a few days or weeks and originates at or near the focus of the larger earthquake.

foreshock

/ ˈfɔːˌʃɒk /

noun

1. a relatively small earthquake heralding the arrival of a much larger one. Some large earthquakes are preceded by a series of foreshocks Compare aftershock

Word History and Origins

Origin of foreshock¹

First recorded in 1900–05; fore- + shock ¹

Example Sentences

Indeed, only about 5% of earthquakes are "foreshocks", say Bradley and Hubbard.

From BBC

As with all earthquakes, there is 1 in 20 chance that Tuesday’s temblor was a foreshock to a larger earthquake.

From Los Angeles Times

A foreshock to Thursday’s quakes occurred Wednesday, at 1:46 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s simply impossible to know whether small earthquakes are “foreshocks” to a larger quake before the more powerful event strikes.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Uhring said that he did not feel any foreshocks and that the earthquake’s shaking knocked over only the shampoo in his bathroom.

From New York Times