groundwater

American  

[ground-waw-ter, -woter] / ˈgraʊndˌwɔ tər, -ˌwɒtər /

Also ground water

noun

1. the water beneath the surface of the ground, consisting largely of surface water that has seeped down: the source of water in springs and wells.

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groundwater Scientific  

/ ground′wô′tər /

1. Water that collects or flows beneath the Earth's surface, filling the porous spaces in soil, sediment, and rocks. Groundwater originates from rain and from melting snow and ice and is the source of water for aquifers, springs, and wells. The upper surface of groundwater is the water table.

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groundwater Cultural  

1. Water that seeps through the soil or rocks underground.

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Discover More

Groundwater can be contaminated by chemical pollutants. (See water pollution.)

Groundwater is a source of drinking and spring water for many communities.

Etymology

Origin of groundwater

First recorded in 1885–90; ground ¹ ( def. ) + water ( def. )

Example Sentences

That in turn would reduce wildfire risk, restore groundwater and allow other animals to thrive, according to the nonprofit.

From Los Angeles Times

The water in Spirit Lake would stay put, but glacier melt and groundwater released from an eruption could create a fast-moving lahar.

From Literature

With the sudden release of pressure as thousands of tons of rock fell away, groundwater flashed to steam and exploded out of the mountain.

From Literature

After the eruption, groundwater that had been trapped in the mountain found paths to flow downhill.

From Literature

"The widespread and significant flooding this week was driven by swollen rivers, rising groundwater and exceptional rainfall - not a lack of routine highway drain maintenance," he said.

From BBC