Mercalli scale

noun

Mer·cal·li scale mer-ˈkä-lē-

(ˌ)mər-

: a scale of earthquake intensity ranging from I for an earthquake detected only by seismographs to XII for one causing total destruction of all buildings

Examples of Mercalli scale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

In order to compare the impact of an earthquake, Earth scientists use the Mercalli scale. —

Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Giuseppe Mercalli †1914 Italian priest and geologist

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Mercalli scale was in 1921

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Mercalli scale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Mercalli%20scale. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation