hydrology
Americannoun
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the science dealing with the occurrence, circulation, distribution, and properties of the waters of the earth and its atmosphere.
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hydrogeology; geohydrology.
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of hydrology
Explanation
Hydrology is the science that has to do with water on our planet and in the atmosphere, including how water moves, where it exists, and its specific properties. Hydrology is a branch of geology, the study of the earth that focuses specifically on the planet's water systems. This scientific specialization involves analysis of our water's quantity, quality, and location based on the water cycle. Scientists who study hydrology are known as hydrologists, and their work includes testing water samples for contamination, predicting floods and droughts, and making sure our drinking water is clean. The word hydrology comes from the Greek roots hydro-, meaning "water," and -logy, meaning "study of."
Vocabulary lists containing hydrology
Earth Science - Middle School
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The Water Cycle - Middle School and High School
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Earth Science - High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Among them is Dr Stuart Wainwright OBE, chief executive of the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and Group Director of the UK National Research Organisations, representing around 40 national research labs.
From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026
Dr Marc Botham of the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology said 33% of species had shown a significant decline in their abundance on monitored sites in the UK over the past 48 years.
From BBC • Sep. 17, 2024
Meixner headed the university’s Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences and was an expert on desert water issues.
From Seattle Times • May 19, 2024
Instead, the research team led by Bruno Merz and Sergiy Vorogushyn, senior scientist in the GFZ Hydrology Section, proposes using alternative spatial scenarios.
From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2024
Hydrology, hī-drol′o-ji, n. the science which treats of water.—adjs.
From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
