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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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