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

At least five people died and several remain missing after Tunisia experienced its heaviest rainfall in over 70 years last month.

From BBC

Fruit flies appear after rainfall, but climate change is making that rainfall more unpredictable, so pests are appearing at different times of the year.

From BBC

"Persistent rainfall since the start of the year has created the sense that winter is 'stuck on repeat,' with little to no prolonged dry periods."

From BBC

"That is something that is worsening with every storm and with every rainfall," she said.

From BBC

"Summer rainfall fell and river-beds became seasonally dry, placing stress on both hobbits and their prey."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• moisture
• rain
• shower