seismic
UK: ˈsaɪzmɪk | US: ˈsaɪzmɪk
adj. relating to earthquakes or other vibrations of the earth
adj. (figuratively) having widespread or drastic effects
seismic = seism<earthquake> + ic<adjective suffix>
- seism<earthquake>: From Greek seismos (σεισμός), meaning "shaking" or "earthquake."
- ic<adjective suffix>: A suffix of Greek origin (-ikos) used to form adjectives meaning "pertaining to."
Etymology Origin:
The word seismic traces back to Greek seismos (earthquake), derived from seiein (to shake). The suffix -ic was adopted from Greek into Latin and later English to form descriptive adjectives. Originally used in geology to describe earthquake-related phenomena, seismic has expanded metaphorically to describe any event with far-reaching, disruptive impact—mirroring the literal shaking of the earth.
The region is highly prone to seismic activity due to its location along tectonic plate boundaries.
Scientists use seismic waves to study the Earth's internal structure.
The political scandal had seismic repercussions across the entire government.
Seismic sensors detected minor tremors near the volcano.
The invention of the internet caused a seismic shift in global communication.