seismic

[ sahyz-mik, sahys- ]

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.

seismic

/ ˈsaɪzmɪk /

adjective

1. relating to or caused by earthquakes or artificially produced earth tremors Also (less commonly)seismicalˈsaɪzmɪkəl
2. of enormous proportions or having highly significant consequences

   seismic social change

seismic

/ sīz′mĭk /

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

Derived Forms

• ˈseismically, adverb

Other Words From

• seismi·cal·ly adverb
• non·seismic adjective
• un·seismal adjective
• un·seismic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of seismic¹

First recorded in 1855–60; seism + -ic

Example Sentences

City deny wrongdoing in a saga that could prove seismic for the club's future.

From BBC

Her voice reverberates throughout the St. James Theatre with seismic force.

From Los Angeles Times

Adopted children are likely to be allowed much closer contact with their birth families in the future as part of “seismic” changes recommended in a report published today.

From BBC

Funds earmarked for seismic retrofits and other renovations of old buildings will be included in the payment for the Gas Company Tower.

From Los Angeles Times

Whichever way it goes the result will be historic - giving America its first woman president or marking a seismic political comeback for Trump.

From BBC

Related Words

• basaltic
• tectonic