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Glite Dictionary
ground water

ground water

2.8
Water under the ground that fills spaces in soil and rock
  • noun
  • /ˈgraʊnd ˈwɔːtər/
translation icon : agua subterránea
  • I've tested the soil and ground water from the area where some of the children congregate after school.
  • surface and ground water

Examples

  • Many farmers rely on ground water for irrigation during dry seasons.

  • Moreover, agriculture has affected both surface and ground waters.

    Academic text (2000)

  • Regulating the type and kind of particulates in the air, the amount of ozone-depleting gases, and the quality and quantity of surface and ground waters depends on international cooperation.

    Academic text (1997)

  • The contamination of ground water can lead to serious health issues for local communities.

  • Scientists are studying how ground water levels are affected by climate change.

Synonyms

groundwater
vsground water
  • Specialized
31 3.4

Water that lies under the surface in soil and rocks

is written as two words rather than as one compound

Surface Forms

ground water singular
ground waters plural

Morphology

ground + water

The meaning 'water beneath the earth's surface' is directly and compositionally derived from 'ground' (earth/soil) + 'water' (H₂O). This noun-compounding pattern is transparent and common across languages (e.g. Spanish 'agua subterránea', French 'eau souterraine', Japanese '地下水'), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the intended sense.

Etymology

Ground water is a simple, literal name. Imagine rain that soaks down and fills hidden spaces under the earth; the words ground and water together show it is water under the earth, so it means 'water beneath the ground'.