meteoric water: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “meteoric water” mean?
Water that originates from precipitation, such as rain or snow, and has recently participated in the Earth's hydrological cycle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Water that originates from precipitation, such as rain or snow, and has recently participated in the Earth's hydrological cycle.
In geology and hydrology, the term specifically refers to groundwater that recently entered the subsurface from precipitation, as opposed to water trapped in rocks during their formation (connate water) or water from deeper, juvenile sources.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage; it is a standardised international scientific term.
Connotations
None beyond the technical definition.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties, confined to professional and academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “meteoric water” in a Sentence
The [noun phrase] is composed of meteoric water.Scientists traced the [noun phrase] to a meteoric water source.[Meteoric water] percolates through the [geological formation].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meteoric water” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The meteoric-water infiltration rate was calculated.
- They studied the aquifer's meteoric-water component.
American English
- The meteoric water recharge was modeled.
- A meteoric water signature was identified.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in geology, hydrology, and environmental science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The only common context. Used to describe the source and history of water in aquifers, soil, and rocks.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meteoric water”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “meteoric water”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meteoric water”
- Using 'meteoric' to imply 'rapid,' as in 'a meteoric rise.'
- Confusing it with 'meteorite water' (which is not a standard term).
- Using it in general contexts instead of 'rainwater' or 'groundwater.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In this scientific term, 'meteoric' derives from 'meteorology' and refers to atmospheric origin, not speed.
No. Groundwater can be meteoric (recent from precipitation), connate (trapped in rocks when they formed), or juvenile (from volcanic or magmatic processes).
Yes, if it dissolves minerals as it moves through the ground. Its defining feature is its recent atmospheric origin, not its chemical composition.
Primarily in hydrology, hydrogeology, geology, and environmental science.
Water that originates from precipitation, such as rain or snow, and has recently participated in the Earth's hydrological cycle.
Meteoric water is usually technical/scientific in register.
Meteoric water: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmiːtiˌɒrɪk ˈwɔːtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmiːtiˌɔːrɪk ˈwɔːtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a METEORologist studying WEATHER; METEORIC WATER comes from the weather (rain/snow).
Conceptual Metaphor
WATER IS A TRAVELLER (from the sky, through the ground).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary source of meteoric water?