moho: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “moho” mean?
The boundary between the Earth's crust and the underlying mantle, distinguished by a change in seismic velocity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The boundary between the Earth's crust and the underlying mantle, distinguished by a change in seismic velocity.
A specific discontinuity in seismic wave velocity used to define the base of the Earth's crust; sometimes used colloquially to refer to the base of a planet's crust in planetary geology.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical, with no regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “moho” in a Sentence
The [noun] lies above/below the Moho.Seismic data define the depth of the Moho.The [geological feature] penetrates the Moho.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in geology, geophysics, and earth science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary context; used to discuss seismic structure, crustal thickness, and planetary differentiation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “moho”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “moho”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “moho”
- Pronouncing it as /mɒˈhəʊ/.
- Using it as a common noun without 'the'.
- Confusing it with 'Mohs' scale of mineral hardness.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised term used almost exclusively in geology and geophysics.
It is named after Andrija Mohorovičić, the Croatian seismologist who discovered the seismic discontinuity in 1909.
Yes, in planetary geology, the term can be applied to refer to the equivalent crust-mantle boundary on other planetary bodies, like the Martian moho.
In formal geological writing, it is often capitalised as it is derived from a proper name, but it is sometimes seen in lowercase.
The boundary between the Earth's crust and the underlying mantle, distinguished by a change in seismic velocity.
Moho is usually technical / scientific in register.
Moho: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊ.həʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊ.hoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the Earth's crust as a MOHAIR rug (MO-HAIR) resting on a hard floor (the mantle). The line where the rug ends is the MO-HO.
Conceptual Metaphor
The Earth's skin (crust) meeting its flesh (mantle).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'Moho' specifically refer to?