noun
das role, Epizentren
epicenter
Definition & meaning
The word Epizentrum has two primary meanings:
- Geology: It refers to the point on the Earth's surface that is directly above the hypocenter (the point of origin) of an earthquake. This is the area where the seismic activity is typically felt most intensely.
- Figurative sense: In a broader, non-scientific context, it is used to describe the central point or the "hotbed" of a significant event, crisis, or phenomenon. For example, it can refer to the location where an outbreak of a disease is concentrated or the focal point of a political movement.
Grammar & Word origin
- Grammar: It is a neuter noun (das). The plural form is "Epizentren".
- Word origin: The word is a loanword derived from the Greek epí (on, upon) and the Latin centrum (center). It essentially translates to "above the center."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Erdbebenherd (specifically for earthquakes)
- Brennpunkt (often used in the figurative sense)
- Zentrum (center)
- Mittelpunkt (focal point)
- Herd (source or core)
Antonyms:
Make “Epizentrum” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Das Epizentrum lag direkt unter der Stadt.noun
The epicenter was located directly beneath the city.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad