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Richter scale

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noun Rich·ter scale \ˈrik-tər-\

Definition of Richter scale

  1. :  an open-ended logarithmic scale for expressing the magnitude of a seismic disturbance (such as an earthquake) in terms of the energy dissipated in it with 1.5 indicating the smallest earthquake that can be felt, 4.5 an earthquake causing slight damage, and 8.5 a very devastating earthquake

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Origin and Etymology of richter scale

Charles F. Richter

Learn More about richter scale

  1. See words that rhyme with Richter scale Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Richter scale

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