Definition

A small earthquake that is too weak to be felt by people, typically measuring three or less on the Richter scale.

Example

The seismograph recorded a microearthquake that was not felt by anyone in the area.

Conversation

Did you feel that little shake earlier?

Yeah, I think it was just a microearthquake.

I was surprised it even registered on the scale.

Same here! It’s interesting how common those can be.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Microearthquake → It is formed from "micro-" (from Greek "mikros", meaning small) and "earthquake" (from Old English "eorþe" meaning earth and "cweccan" meaning to shake). The word describes a small shaking of the earth.

Memory Tip

Think of 'small' ('micro-') shaking of the 'earth' ('earthquake') — that's what a microearthquake is.

Visually Confused Words