SEISMOMETER
\sa͡ɪzmˈɒmɪtə], \saɪzmˈɒmɪtə], \s_aɪ_z_m_ˈɒ_m_ɪ_t_ə]\
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An instrument for measuring the direction and force of earthquakes and similar concussions. There are various contrivances for this purpose, the most perfect of which is perhaps the form used in the observatory on Mount Vesuvius. It consists of a delicate electric apparatus, which is set to work by the agitation or change of level of a mercurial column, which records the time of the first shock, the interval between the shocks, and the duration of each; their nature, whether vertical or horizontal, the maximum intensity; and in the case of horizontal shocks the direction is also given.
By Daniel Lyons
By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H.
Word of the day
Under-arm
- Done (as bowling) with the arm not raised above elbow, that is, swung far out from body; underhand. Cf. Over-and Round-Arm.