ScienceJuly 14, 2026

exceedances

/ɪkˈsiːdənsɪz/

Definition

Instances where a measured value, such as a water level, surpasses a predefined threshold or limit.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'excedere,' meaning to go out or go beyond, which combines 'ex-' (out) and 'cedere' (to go). The word evolved into the English 'exceed' before adopting the '-ance' suffix to denote an occurrence or state of going beyond a set point.

In the news

In the article, the term refers to cases where sea levels rose above established safety limits, causing flooding in coastal communities. It highlights how human-driven climate change is responsible for the majority of these dangerous water-level spikes.

'It affects your daily life suddenly': Sea level researcher explains why once-in-a-century floods could become the new normal

Read the full article ↗

Live Science

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