seaquake

[ see-kweyk ]
/ ˈsiˌkweɪk /

noun

an agitation of the sea caused by a submarine eruption or earthquake.

Origin of seaquake

First recorded in 1670–80; sea + (earth)quake

British Dictionary definitions for seaquake

seaquake
/ (ˈsiːˌkweɪk) /

noun

obsolete an agitation and disturbance of the sea caused by an earthquake at the sea bed. It is now usually described as an earthquake

Scientific definitions for seaquake

seaquake
[ sēkwāk′ ]

An earthquake originating under the ocean floor. Seaquakes are caused by shifting of the tectonic plates at the bottom of the ocean. The seabed pushes and pulls on the water above it, sending violent pressure waves toward the surface and often creating tsunamis.