Plural of epicenter; the points on Earth's surface directly above where earthquakes begin, or the central points of activity or attention.
From 'epi' (upon) + 'center.' The geological term emerged in the late 19th century as seismology developed; metaphorical usage expanded in the 20th century to mean any focus of activity.
The epicenter is only the surface point—the actual rupture happens miles underground, which is why scientists always talk about the epicenter AND the hypocenter, a distinction that often confuses news reporters talking about earthquakes.
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