weathering

[ weth -er-ing ]

/ ˈwɛð ər ɪŋ /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR weathering ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

material used as a weather strip.

Geology. the various mechanical and chemical processes that cause exposed rock to decompose.Compare chemical weathering, mechanical weathering.

Nearby words

weathercock, weathered, weatherfish, weatherford, weatherglass, weathering, weatherize, weatherly, weatherman, weatherperson, weatherproof

Origin of weathering

First recorded in 1655–65; weather + -ing¹

Definition for weathering (2 of 2)

weather

[ weth-er ]

/ ˈwɛð ər /

noun

the state of the atmosphere with respect to wind, temperature, cloudiness, moisture, pressure, etc.

a strong wind or storm or strong winds and storms collectively: We've had some real weather this spring.

a weathercast: The radio announcer will read the weather right after the commercial.

Usually weathers. changes or vicissitudes in one's lot or fortunes: She remained a good friend in all weathers.

verb (used with object)

to expose to the weather; dry, season, or otherwise affect by exposure to the air or atmosphere: to weather lumber before marketing it.

to discolor, disintegrate, or affect injuriously, as by the effects of weather: These crumbling stones have been weathered by the centuries.

to bear up against and come safely through (a storm, danger, trouble, etc.): to weather a severe illness.

Nautical. (of a ship, mariner, etc.) to pass or sail to the windward of: to weather a cape.

Architecture. to cause to slope, so as to shed water.

verb (used without object)

to undergo change, especially discoloration or disintegration, as the result of exposure to atmospheric conditions.

to endure or resist exposure to the weather: a coat that weathers well.

to go or come safely through a storm, danger, trouble, etc. (usually followed by through): It was a difficult time for her, but she weathered through beautifully.

Origin of weather

before 900; Middle English (noun), Old English weder; cognate with Dutch weder, German Wetter, Old Norse vethr

Related forms

weath·er·er, noun

Can be confused

weather whether whither wither (see synonym study at wither)

Word story

Weather and its (Germanic) kindred terms wind and window are derivatives of the very common, very complicated Proto-Indo-European root awe-, awē-, wē- “to blow.” The variant awe- is the source of Germanic wedram “storm, weather” (Old English weder, English weather ). The suffixed variant wēn- forms Latin ventum “wind,” and English wind and window.
Window is first recorded in Middle English in the first half of the 13th century. It comes from Old Norse vindauga “wind eye,” originally an opening in a gable or roof to release smoke and admit light. (The Old Norse word came into Old English before the initial w- became v- in literary Old Norse.)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for weathering

How are you weathering that roller coaster, with each and every year the future so up in the air?
Jim Rash on ‘The Writers’ Room’ and the Future of ‘Community’|Kevin Fallon|April 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
For the moment at least, Walker appears to be weathering the controversy.
Dem’s the Breaks: GOP Investigation Gives the Left Another Reason to Point Fingers|David Freedlander|February 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In 2011, after weathering criticism from the media, fans, and even his teammates, Beckham finally enjoyed a stellar season.
What’s Next for David Beckham?|Daniel Ferris|December 2, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Economics departments are not only weathering the recession, they're diversifying their courses to take advantage of it.
Fall's Hottest College Courses|Josh Dzieza, Daniel D'Addario|September 6, 2010|DAILY BEAST

Many deserve a medal for weathering these conflicts and never giving up on romantic love.
Hands Off My Call Girl!|Tracy Quan|February 25, 2010|DAILY BEAST
At the upper part of the pipe the materials show the action of weathering by exposure to the air.
The Wonder Book of Volcanoes and Earthquakes|Edwin J. Houston
On its polished sides is a line of weathering showing that it was buried deeper than it is now for centuries.
The Three Sapphires|W. A. Fraser
He could have slept at sea in the hardest of storms, once satisfied that the vessel was staunch and weathering the gale.
Jack Harvey's Adventures|Ruel Perley Smith
Bituminous may be distinguished from subbituminous by the manner of weathering.
The Economic Aspect of Geology|C. K. Leith
Although they have suffered from weathering and from vandalism, enough remains to show that they represent clothed human figures.
Inca Land|Hiram Bingham

British Dictionary definitions for weathering (1 of 2)

weathering

/ (ˈwɛðərɪŋ) /

noun

the mechanical and chemical breakdown of rocks by the action of rain, snow, cold, etc

British Dictionary definitions for weathering (2 of 2)

weather

/ (ˈwɛðə) /

noun

the day-to-day meteorological conditions, esp temperature, cloudiness, and rainfall, affecting a specific placeCompare climate (def. 1)
(modifier) relating to the forecasting of weathera weather ship

a prevailing state or condition

make heavy weather

(of a vessel) to roll and pitch in heavy seas
(foll by of) to carry out with great difficulty or unnecessarily great effort

under the weather informal

not in good health
intoxicated

adjective

(prenominal) on or at the side or part towards the wind; windwardthe weather anchor Compare lee (def. 4)

verb

to expose or be exposed to the action of the weather

to undergo or cause to undergo changes, such as discoloration, due to the action of the weather

(intr) to withstand the action of the weather

(when intr, foll by through) to endure (a crisis, danger, etc)

(tr) to slope (a surface, such as a roof, sill, etc) so as to throw rainwater clear

(tr) to sail to the windward ofto weather a point

Derived Forms

weatherability, nounweatherer, noun

Word Origin for weather

Old English weder; related to Old Saxon wedar, Old High German wetar, Old Norse vethr

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Science definitions for weathering (1 of 2)

weathering

[ wĕð′ər-ĭng ]

Any of the chemical or mechanical processes by which rocks exposed to the weather undergo chemical decomposition and physical disintegration. Although weathering usually occurs at the Earth's surface, it can also occur at significant depths, for example through the percolation of groundwater through fractures in bedrock. It usually results in changes in the color, texture, composition, or hardness of the affected rocks.

Science definitions for weathering (2 of 2)

weather

[ wĕð′ər ]

The state of the atmosphere at a particular time and place. Weather is described in terms of variable conditions such as temperature, humidity, wind velocity, precipitation, and barometric pressure. Weather on Earth occurs primarily in the troposphere, or lower atmosphere, and is driven by energy from the Sun and the rotation of the Earth. The average weather conditions of a region over time are used to define a region's climate.

Culture definitions for weathering (1 of 2)

weathering

The process by which rocks are broken down into small grains and soil. Weathering can happen through rainfall, ice formation, or the action of living things, such as algae and plant roots. It is part of the geological cycle.

Culture definitions for weathering (2 of 2)

weather

The daily conditions of the atmosphere in terms of temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind, and moisture.

Idioms and Phrases with weathering

weather

In addition to the idiom beginning with weather

weather the storm

also see:

fair-weather friend
heavy going (weather)
keep a weather eye out
under the weather

weathering

noun

RELATED CONTENT

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of weathering

Definition for weathering (2 of 2)

weather

noun

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

Origin of weather

Related forms

Can be confused

Word story

Examples from the Web for weathering

British Dictionary definitions for weathering (1 of 2)

weathering

noun

British Dictionary definitions for weathering (2 of 2)

weather

noun

adjective

verb

Derived Forms

Word Origin for weather

Science definitions for weathering (1 of 2)

weathering

Science definitions for weathering (2 of 2)

weather

Culture definitions for weathering (1 of 2)

weathering

Culture definitions for weathering (2 of 2)

weather

Idioms and Phrases with weathering

weather