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

Some commentators argue that support for McGregor within Ireland, where he had been thought of as a trailblazer, has been dwindling for some time - but the shift after Ms Hand’s civil case was seismic.

From BBC

But for residents in soft-story apartment buildings, lines on a municipal map could be all that determines whether or not their home is seismically strengthened.

From Los Angeles Times

By seismologist Lucy Jones’ count, Southern California has experienced 15 independent seismic sequences so far this year in which there have been at least one magnitude 4 or higher earthquake.

From Los Angeles Times

With three swift decisions, over a few seismic days, the West signalled to the world that its support for Ukraine was not about to vanish.

From BBC

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

From BBC

Related Words

• basaltic
• tectonic