Definition

A very small earthquake that is usually not felt by people but can be recorded by seismographs.

Example

The seismograph detected a microquake that registered a magnitude of 1.2.

Conversation

Did you feel that microquake last night?

Yeah, it was so small, I almost didn't notice it.

I read that they happen quite often, but we just don't feel most of them.

Exactly! It's interesting how active the earth is, even when we can't tell.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Microquake → It is formed from "micro-" (from Greek "mikros", meaning small) and "quake" (from Old English "cwacian", meaning to shake). The word "microquake" refers to a small earthquake or a minor shaking of the ground.

Memory Tip

Think of 'small' ('micro-') shaking ('quake') to remember that a microquake is a small earthquake.

Visually Confused Words