Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun An oscillation of the ground, either vertically or horizontally, on a small scale, as by the explosion of a mine, or on a large scale, as by earthquakes; a vibration of the crust of the earth as an elastic solid.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Concentrating its energies into one final, convulsive effort, the huge earth-wave passed and left the earth palpitating and heaving like a tired animal.

    Southern Stories Retold from St. Nicholas Various

  • If the parts into which such a wall are fractured are free to move, and yet, being inelastic, obliged to remain in the farthest position to which they are carried by the wave, the distance traversed by the centre of gravity of one of the displaced parts should give a "rude approximate measure" of the horizontal amplitude of the earth-wave.

    A Study of Recent Earthquakes Charles Davison 1899

  • Thus, regions of defective intensity may arise from partial interference by the spreading of either earth-wave in the adjoining rock-mass.

    A Study of Recent Earthquakes Charles Davison 1899

  • Wherever there was water, the shock seemed to have been neutralised, for I imagine that the water acted as a cushion to deaden the earth-wave.

    Here, There and Everywhere Frederick Spencer Hamilton 1892

  • The terrible earth-wave overthrew the larger number of the private houses in the city, burying their inhabitants under the crumbling walls.

    The San Francisco calamity by earthquake and fire Charles Morris 1877

  • A considerable number of houses were left standing -- fortunately tenantless -- for a third great earth-wave traversed the city, and most of the buildings which had withstood the previous shocks, already severely shaken, were entirely overthrown.

    The San Francisco calamity by earthquake and fire Charles Morris 1877

  • The movement of the earth-wave was in general north and south, deflected to east and west, and the snake-like fashion in which rails on the railroad were bent indicated both a vertical and a lateral force.

    The San Francisco calamity by earthquake and fire Charles Morris 1877

  • Although the earth-wave traversed the whole city, the shock was felt more severely in some quarters than in others.

    The San Francisco calamity by earthquake and fire Charles Morris 1877

  • In general, light, wooden buildings are less injured by earthquakes than more solid structures of stone or brick, and it is commonly supposed that the power put forth by the earth-wave is too great to be resisted by any amount of weight or solidity of mass that man can pile up upon the surface.

    Earth as Modified by Human Action, The~ Chapter 06 (historical) 1874

  • In general, light, wooden buildings are less injured by earthquakes than more solid structures of stone or brick, and it is commonly supposed that the power put forth by the earth-wave is too great to be resisted by any amount of weight or solidity of mass that man can pile up upon the surface.

    The Earth as Modified by Human Action George P. Marsh 1841

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