epicenter

noun epi·cen·ter \ˈe-pi-ˌsen-tər\

: the part of the earth's surface that is directly above the place where an earthquake starts

Full Definition of EPICENTER

: the part of the earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake — compare hypocenter 1

: center 2a, b, c <the epicenter of world finance>

— epi·cen·tral \ˌe-pi-ˈsen-trəl\ adjective

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New Latin epicentrum, from epi- + Latin centrum center

First Known Use: 1887

Synonyms: axis, base, capital, central, core, cynosure, center, eye, focus, ground zero, heart, hub, locus, mecca, navel, nerve center, nexus, nucleus, omphalos, seat

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