seismic
adj.-
1 related to earthquakes (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Sciencerelated to or caused by earthquakes and the way the ground moves.
relating to or caused by earthquakes or other vibrations of the earth and its crust.
ExampleThe city is located in a seismic zone where small earthquakes are common.
ExampleSeismic sensors placed along the fault line detected subtle tremors that preceded the major earthquake by several hours.
UsageUsually placed before the noun it modifies.
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2 huge and impactful (adj.) C1 Advanced Academichaving a very big, important, or sudden effect on a situation.
denoting an event or change of enormous proportions or having a highly significant impact.
ExampleThe invention of the smartphone caused a seismic shift in how we communicate.
ExampleThe sudden collapse of the major investment bank sent seismic shocks through the global financial markets, leading to a decade of instability.
Teacher's tipThis figurative use is very common in journalism and academic writing to describe social or political changes.
- massive
- monumental
- earth shattering
Based on Ancient Greek σεισμός (seismós, “shaking, earthquake”) + -ic, equivalent to seismo- + -ic.