rainfall

American  

[reyn-fawl] / ˈreɪnˌfɔl /

noun

1. a fall or shower of rain.

2. the amount of water falling in rain, snow, etc., within a given time and area, usually expressed as a hypothetical depth of coverage.

   a rainfall of 70 inches a year.

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rainfall British  

/ ˈreɪnˌfɔːl /

noun

1. precipitation in the form of raindrops

2. meteorol the amount of precipitation in a specified place and time

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rainfall Scientific  

/ rān′fôl′ /

1. The quantity of water, usually expressed in millimeters or inches, that is precipitated in liquid form in a specified area and time interval. Rainfall is often considered to include solid precipitation such as snow, hail, and sleet as well.

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Etymology

Origin of rainfall

First recorded in 1840–50; rain + fall

Example Sentences

Heavy rainfall leads to high growth of grass and brush, which then becomes abundant fuel during periods of extreme dryness.

From Los Angeles Times

He cautions that the recent rainfall could be off-season rains, which may not last, and in any case would take some time before they made any difference.

From BBC

Long spells of sunshine will continue with very little rainfall in the forecast.

From BBC

Longer spells of sunshine will also lead to higher UV levels developing and there'll be very little rainfall in the forecast for most of us over the next week or so.

From BBC

El Niño and La Niña are among the most important natural weather patterns on Earth, and can affect temperatures and rainfall around the world.

From BBC

Related Words

• moisture
• rain
• shower