groundwater
UK: ˈɡraʊndˌwɔːtə | US: ˈɡraʊndˌwɔːtər
n. Water held underground in the soil or in pores and crevices in rock.
The word "groundwater" is a straightforward compound of "ground" (from Old English grund, meaning "bottom, foundation, or earth") and "water" (from Old English wæter). It emerged in the early 19th century to describe subsurface water reserves, reflecting a practical naming logic where two basic nouns combine to specify a natural phenomenon. The term’s transparency aids memorization, as both morphemes retain their original meanings.
Farmers rely on groundwater for irrigation during dry seasons.
Pollution can contaminate groundwater, making it unsafe to drink.
The study measured groundwater levels in the coastal aquifer.
Groundwater depletion is a growing concern in arid regions.
Wells are drilled to access groundwater stored in underground layers.