séisme
earthquake
noun say-EESM Rare
Origin: Greek seismos (shaking), from seíein (to shake)
Usage Note
Séisme is the formal or journalistic word for an earthquake; everyday speech more often uses tremblement de terre. Figuratively it can describe a major political or social upheaval. The related adjective sismique appears in activité sismique (seismic activity).
Examples
"Un séisme a frappé la région côtière."
Natural Translation
An earthquake struck the coastal region.
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