aquifer
[ ak-wuh-fer ]
/ ˈæk wə fər /
noun
any geological formation containing or conducting ground water, especially one that supplies the water for wells, springs, etc.
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for aquifer
British Dictionary definitions for aquifer
aquifer
/ (ˈækwɪfə) /
noun
a porous deposit of rock, such as a sandstone, containing water that can be used to supply wells
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for aquifer
aquifer
1897, coined from Latin aqui-, comb. form of aqua "water" (see aqua-) + -fer "bearing," from ferre "to bear" (see infer).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Science definitions for aquifer
aquifer
[ ăk′wə-fər ]
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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