seismograph

noun

seis·​mo·​graph ˈsīz-mə-ˌgraf How to pronounce seismograph (audio)
ˈsīs-
: an apparatus to measure and record vibrations within the earth and of the ground
seismographer noun
seismographic adjective
seismography noun

Examples of seismograph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Similar to the seismographs scattered along the West coast, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration keeps a network of sensors deep in the ocean, designed to alert scientists when a tsunami wave rolls through. Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 20 May 2025 And there are millions of earthquakes registering at 2.5 magnitude or less that are usually not felt, but can be recorded by a seismograph, according to Michigan Tech. Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 10 May 2025 The earthquake was detected by a seismograph in Sonora, Kentucky, which is in Hardin County. Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Feb. 2025 In addition, new spending restrictions for some federal agencies are creating extra hoops for scientists to jump through to fix earthquake seismographs and deep ocean sensors that capture how fast tsunami waves are traveling, four separate people with knowledge of the situation told CNN. Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for seismograph

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of seismograph was in 1858

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Cite this Entry

“Seismograph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seismograph. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

seismograph

noun
seis·​mo·​graph ˈsīz-mə-ˌgraf How to pronounce seismograph (audio)
ˈsīs-
: a device to measure and record vibrations of the earth
seismographic adjective
seismography noun

More from Merriam-Webster on seismograph

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