Showing results for "weathering"

• present participle of weather.

weathering

American  

[weth-er-ing] / ˈwɛð ər ɪŋ /

noun

1. Architecture. wash.

2. material used as a weather strip.

3. Geology. the various mechanical and chemical processes that cause exposed rock to decompose.

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weathering British  

/ ˈwɛðərɪŋ /

noun

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

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weathering Scientific  

/ wĕth′ər-ĭng /

1. 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.

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weathering Cultural  

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of weathering

First recorded in 1655–65; weather + -ing ¹

Explanation

When rocks are gradually worn away by water, salt, wind, plants, and animals, it's called weathering. Many of the world's most breathtaking rock formations are the result of weathering. Weathering is the process of rocks disintegrating due to weather conditions or other biological causes. This includes chemical effects caused by minerals, physical pressure from plants or animals, and the scraping of ice as it freezes and thaws. During weathering, the worn-away pieces of rock stay nearby; if they're swept away by water or wind, that's called erosion.

Example Sentences

That shift in perspective comes after weathering some brutal setbacks.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2026

Uzbekistan, playing in its first World Cup, was not intimidated by the big stage, weathering a withering Colombia attack in a 3-1 loss.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 21, 2026

Carbon cycling in thawing environments is highly complex, and some weathering reactions can release CO2 depending on the minerals involved.

From Science Daily • Jun. 20, 2026

These include direct air capture, enhanced rock weathering and bio-energy production combined with carbon capture and storage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 17, 2026

In her kitchen she sat down and cupped her hands in her lap and stared out the window at the weathering carriage house.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

Related Words

• depletion
• depreciation
• erosion