rainfall

[ reyn-fawl ]

noun

1. a fall or shower of rain.
2. the amount of water falling in rain, snow, etc., within a given time and area, usually expressed as a hypothetical depth of coverage:

   a rainfall of 70 inches a year.

rainfall

/ ˈreɪnˌfɔːl /

noun

1. precipitation in the form of raindrops
2. meteorol the amount of precipitation in a specified place and time

rainfall

/ rān′fôl′ /

1. The quantity of water, usually expressed in millimeters or inches, that is precipitated in liquid form in a specified area and time interval. Rainfall is often considered to include solid precipitation such as snow, hail, and sleet as well.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rainfall¹

First recorded in 1840–50; rain + fall

Example Sentences

"In Australia, more than one in 10 houses in Australia are situated in flood zones. Flooding from intense rainfall and overflowing rivers is the most common and costliest natural disaster," said Associate Professor Shi.

From Science Daily

Going forward, the study's authors said phosphorus pollution from agriculture needs better prevention and mitigation, which will be a challenge, especially as wetter storms drive increased rainfall and river flows.

From Science Daily

Wind gusts could bring power outages, downed trees and high surf along the coastline, the US weather agency said, which issued a "high risk excessive rainfall outlook" for northwest California.

From BBC

Officials are hopeful the region will only see minor flooding, as few areas have seen any real rainfall this season, so soils should be able to absorb significant precipitation.

From Los Angeles Times

Experts say that climate change contributed to the heavy rainfall that caused the floods.

From BBC

Related Words

• moisture
• rain
• shower