aquifer

American  

[ak-wuh-fer] / ˈæk wə fər /

noun

1. any geological formation containing or conducting groundwater, especially one that supplies the water for wells, springs, etc.

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aquifer British  

/ ˈækwɪfə /

noun

1. a porous deposit of rock, such as a sandstone, containing water that can be used to supply wells

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aquifer Scientific  

/ ăk′wə-fər /

1. An underground layer of permeable rock, sediment (usually sand or gravel), or soil that yields water. The pore spaces in aquifers are filled with water and are interconnected, so that water flows through them. Sandstones, unconsolidated gravels, and porous limestones make the best aquifers. They can range from a few square kilometers to thousands of square kilometers in size.

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Etymology

Origin of aquifer

First recorded in 1900–05; probably from French aquifère (adjective); aqui-, -fer

Example Sentences

Low lying river valleys and areas on chalk aquifers - such as the Salisbury Plains - are most prone to groundwater flooding.

From BBC

“There’s a climate change use case—you can track the depletion of aquifers, which can predict when droughts are going to happen,” the CEO continued.

From Barron's

Many rivers, lakes, aquifers and wetlands have been pushed past “tipping points” and cannot bounce back, the report says.

From Los Angeles Times

Hobbs pointed out that some residents’ wells have gone dry as water levels have plummeted in the Ranegras Plain, and that the land has been sinking as the aquifer is depleted.

From Los Angeles Times

Like other landowners in the area, it has been allowed to pump unlimited amounts from the aquifer, even as water levels have declined.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• water level