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); see aqui-, -fer

Explanation

An aquifer is an underground water supply — one found in porous rock, sand, gravel, or the like. Your town might get its water from a lake, river, reservoir, aquifer, or some other source. Aquifer is from the Latin aqua ("water") and ferre ("to bear") — an aquifer literally bears water. Some aquifers are massive, such as the Ogallala Aquifer in the United States that stretches across parts of eight states from South Dakota to Texas. But not massive enough — we're draining them faster than the water can be replenished.

Example Sentences

Residents feared the project would strain the electrical grid and drain their local aquifer.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

In Memphis, xAI had said it would build a water recycling plant that can reuse wastewater, instead of relying on the region’s aquifer, which provides drinking water for residents.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

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 • Dec. 27, 2025

Meanwhile, Hull aquifer levels were at 49.4% - up from 46.6%.

From BBC • Nov. 27, 2025

“Where does all the water come from? The Court is on a hill, so where’s the aquifer or aqueduct to bring the water up?”

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

Related Words

• water level