1. The point on or beneath the Earth's surface where an earthquake originates; the focus of an earthquake.
Usage: Also called the focus of an earthquake.; Contrasts with epicenter, which is the point on the surface directly above the hypocenter.

Examples

• Seismologists determined that the hypocenter of the earthquake was located 15 kilometers below the surface.
• The deeper the hypocenter, the less damage the earthquake typically causes at the surface.
• Scientists use seismic waves to pinpoint the exact location of the hypocenter.
• The hypocenter of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake was situated beneath the Pacific Ocean.
• Understanding the hypocenter helps geologists predict earthquake patterns in a region.