earthquake

English

/ˈɜːθkweɪk/, /ˈɝθkweɪk/

noun
Definitions
  • A shaking of the ground, caused by volcanic activity or movement around geologic faults.
  • (planetary geology) Such a quake specifically occurring on the planet Earth, as opposed to other celestial bodies.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English erthequake compound from English earth + English quake.

Origin

English

quake

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms