epicenter
noun
epi·cen·ter
ˈe-pi-ˌsen-tər 
1
: the part of the earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake compare hypocenter sense 1
2
: center sense 2a
the epicenter of world finance
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The meaning of epi- in epicenter is "over", so the epicenter of an earthquake lies over the center or "focus" of the quake. Epicenter can also refer to the centers of things that may seem in their own way as powerful—though not as destructive—as earthquakes. Wall Street, for example, might be said to lie at the epicenter of the financial world.
Synonyms
Examples of epicenter in a Sentence
by continually reinventing itself, Las Vegas has managed to remain a national epicenter for entertainment
Recent Examples on the Web
Though Los Angeles has always been the epicenter of the American music industry, Eilish was born and raised in the city, undoubtedly making the destruction of the wildfires of the past few weeks all the more harrowing.
—
James Factora, Them, 3 Feb. 2025
As CalMatters reported, Morro Bay is also the epicenter of growing opposition among coastal residents, who see it as a form of industrialization that would change the look and character of their communities.
—Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2025
Lincoln Financial Field is the epicenter of Birdom with FanFest, a big blowout bash featuring pregame entertainment and visits from Eagle alums, including Darren Sproles.
—Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 30 Jan. 2025
Six of the victims on the American Airlines flight that collided with an Army helicopter and crashed into the frigid waters of the Potomac River have been identified as members of the Skating Club of Boston, the epicenter of elite figure skating in New England.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
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James Factora, Them, 3 Feb. 2025
As CalMatters reported, Morro Bay is also the epicenter of growing opposition among coastal residents, who see it as a form of industrialization that would change the look and character of their communities.
—Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2025
Lincoln Financial Field is the epicenter of Birdom with FanFest, a big blowout bash featuring pregame entertainment and visits from Eagle alums, including Darren Sproles.
—Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 30 Jan. 2025
Six of the victims on the American Airlines flight that collided with an Army helicopter and crashed into the frigid waters of the Potomac River have been identified as members of the Skating Club of Boston, the epicenter of elite figure skating in New England.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for epicenter
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Cite this Entry
“Epicenter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epicenter. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
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epicenter
noun
epi·cen·ter
ˈep-i-ˌsent-ər
: the part of the earth's surface directly above the starting point of an earthquake
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