epicenter
UK[ˈepɪsentə(r)]US[ˈepɪsentər]
n
the point on the earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake.
n
the central point of something, typically a difficult or unpleasant situation.
Morpheme Breakdown
epi
center
epi
upon
center
middle point
Etymology
the word 'epicenter' is a modern scientific term formed in the late 19th century by combining the greek prefix 'epi-' with the latin-derived word 'center'. its literal greek components would be 'epi-' (upon) and 'kentron' (center, sharp point). it was coined specifically in seismology to denote the point on the earth's surface directly above the subterranean origin (the focus or hypocenter) of an earthquake. from this precise geological meaning, it evolved metaphorically to describe the focal or central point of any significant activity, especially a crisis or dramatic event.
Analysis
Structure: epi (upon) + center (middle point)
epi is a prefix of greek origin meaning 'upon, at, or close to'. center is a noun of latin origin (from greek 'kentron') meaning 'the middle point'.
Examples
the city was near the epicenter of the devastating earthquake.
the scandal had its epicenter in the company's financial department.
scientists quickly deployed instruments to measure tremors from the epicenter.