Definition

A shaking or vibration that occurs on the moon, similar to an earthquake but usually weaker.

Example

Scientists recorded a moonquake that lasted for several minutes.

Conversation

Did you hear about the recent moonquake scientists reported?

Yeah, I read a brief article about it; it sounded fascinating!

I wonder what causes those moonquakes to happen.

Me too! It’s interesting how different the moon is from Earth.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Moonquake → It is formed from "moon" (from Old English *mōna*, meaning the natural satellite of Earth) and "quake" (from Old English *cwacian*, meaning to shake or tremble). The word "moonquake" refers to a shaking or tremor that occurs on the moon.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'moon' as the natural satellite and 'quake' as a shake or tremor — a moonquake is a shaking that happens on the moon.

Visually Confused Words