Mercalli scale

noun

Mer·​cal·​li scale mer-ˈkä-lē- How to pronounce Mercalli scale (audio)
(ˌ)mər-
: a scale of earthquake intensity ranging from I for an earthquake detected only by seismographs to XII for one causing total destruction of all buildings

Examples of Mercalli scale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In order to compare the impact of an earthquake, Earth scientists use the Mercalli scale. —Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Mercalli scale.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Giuseppe Mercalli †1914 Italian priest and geologist

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Mercalli scale was in 1921

Dictionary Entries Near Mercalli scale

merc

Mercalli scale

mercallite

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Cite this Entry

“Mercalli scale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Mercalli%20scale. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Mercalli scale

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Mercalli scale

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