Definitions

1. noun

A unit of measurement for earthquake magnitude, ranging from 1 to 10, with each whole number increase indicating a 31.6 times increase in measured amplitude.

“The earthquake had a richter scale reading of 7.1, causing significant damage in the area.”

2. proper noun

A German surname, especially referring to Johann Sebastian Richter, an 18th-century German organ builder, or Sebastian de Richter, a 16th-century Flemish painter.

“Sebastian de Richter’s work has become increasingly popular among art historians.”

3. noun

A German noble family, originally from Bohemia, that rose to prominence during the 18th century.

“The family’s ancestral castle is now a museum showcasing their history and artifacts.”

4. noun

A unit of measurement for the magnitude of a star, similar to the richter scale for earthquakes.

“The star had a richter scale reading of 3.2, indicating a relatively stable star in the galaxy.”