First Known Use: 1938
Dictionary
Richter scale
noun Rich·ter scale \ˈrik-tər-\
Definition of RICHTER SCALE
: an open-ended logarithmic scale for expressing the magnitude of a seismic disturbance (as an earthquake) in terms of the energy dissipated in it with 1.5 indicating the smallest earthquake that can be felt, 4.5 an earthquake causing slight damage, and 8.5 a very devastating earthquake
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Origin of RICHTER SCALE
Charles F. Richter
Rhymes with RICHTER SCALE
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