epicenter
Translation
epicenter, center, focal point
Examples
The epicenter of the earthquake was near the coast.
The epicenter of the earthquake was near the coast.
The city was the epicenter of the crisis.
The city was the epicenter of the crisis.
Grammar Patterns
((as a noun)) the point on the earth's surface directly above an earthquake. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the coast.
((the epicenter of sth.)) the central point of a situation. The city was the epicenter of the crisis.
Similar Words
Synonyms: focal point, hub, heart.
Etymology
From Greek 'epi-' (upon, on) + 'kentron' (center). Literally 'upon the center'.
Memory Tips
The 'epi-' part is 'upon' the 'center' of the earthquake's focus deep in the earth. This is the standard American English spelling.