earthquake-resistant
Meaning
Designed or built to withstand the effects of an earthquake without significant damage or collapse.
Structure
Usage
The new hospital was built to be earthquake-resistant, meeting the strictest seismic codes.
Earthquake-resistant construction techniques are essential in regions along major fault lines.
The engineers specified special joints and flexible materials to make the bridge earthquake-resistant.
Etymology
The term is a modern technical compound, fusing two established English words to describe a specific functional property. The first element, 'earthquake', originates from Old English roots describing a trembling of the ground. The second element, 'resistant', traces back to Latin 'resistere', meaning to stand firm against force or pressure. When combined, the literal meaning "withstanding an earth-shaking" directly and logically conveys the modern engineering concept of structures designed to endure seismic forces. This compound exemplifies how English creates precise technical vocabulary by transparently combining native and Latinate elements.
Analysis
- earthquake: A compound from Old English 'eorþe' (earth, ground) + 'cwacian' (to shake, quake). The modern form is a direct combination of 'earth' and 'quake'. - resistant: From Latin 'resistere' (to resist, stand back), via French. The morpheme 'resist' (to withstand) + the adjective-forming suffix '-ant' (characterized by, performing a specified action).