weathering

[ weth-er-ing ]

/ ˈwɛð ər ɪŋ /

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See synonyms for: weathering / weatherings 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.

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Origin of weathering

First recorded in 1655–65; weather + -ing¹

Words nearby weathering

weatherfish, Weatherford, weather gauge, weatherglass, weather house, weathering, weatherize, weather joint, weatherly, weatherman, weather map

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use weathering in a sentence

In this cycle, plate tectonics, weathering and other processes continually transform Earth’s rocks from one type to another.
Scientists Say: Magma and lava|Maria Temming|October 11, 2021|Science News For Students
Earthly buttes in the American desert Southwest are formed principally by erosion and weathering.
NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover Found Some Boulders. That's a Much Bigger Deal Than it Seems|Jeffrey Kluger|October 7, 2021|Time
This means volcanoes could be important in the weathering process as well.
Volcanoes could be our fiery allies in the fight against carbon emissions|Angely Mercado|August 26, 2021|Popular-Science
Ergonomically-designed for support and comfort, this modern set will endure any outdoor conditions without fading or weathering.
Best patio furniture: outdoor seating that suits your space|Billy Cadden|July 20, 2021|Popular-Science

A new startup is relying on minerals to pull carbon dioxide out of the air, in one of the first commercial efforts to deploy what’s known as enhanced weathering to slow climate change.
A startup using minerals to draw down CO2 has scored funding—and its first buyer|James Temple|May 26, 2021|MIT Technology Review
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
The French president has had a rough start–weathering a storm, his plane struck by lightning.
French President François Hollande Goes to Washington|Tracy McNicoll|May 18, 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
One wing showed the effect of weathering, but it was an all-metal Roamer of the latest model and it had withstood the ordeal well.
The Onslaught from Rigel|Fletcher Pratt
A monstrous block on the starboard side had not been long adrift, for it showed but slight signs of weathering.
The Home of the Blizzard|Douglas Mawson
The water was diminished in the hold, and the Lively Bee was weathering the storm splendidly.
The Cruise of the "Lively Bee"|John De Morgan
Its height was indicated by the weathering on the tower, and it seems to have had flanking pinnacles and graduated panelling.
Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Ripon|Cecil Walter Charles Hallett
At length Cape Saint Antonio appeared in sight; and, weathering it, the course was altered to south-east.
Sunshine Bill|W H G Kingston

British Dictionary definitions for weathering

weathering

/ (ˈwɛðərɪŋ) /

noun

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

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

Scientific definitions for weathering

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.

Cultural definitions for weathering

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.

weathering

Origin of weathering

Words nearby weathering

Words related to weathering

How to use weathering in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for weathering

Scientific definitions for weathering

Cultural definitions for weathering