ScienceJuly 27, 2026

hydrology

hy-DROL-uh-jee

Definition

The scientific study of the properties, distribution, and circulation of water on and under the Earth's surface and in the atmosphere.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'hydor' meaning water and 'logos' meaning study, the term entered English in the 19th century to describe the scientific study of water systems.

In the news

In this article, hydrology is mentioned as a scientific discipline being used to develop AI models for predicting water availability and groundwater movement. It highlights the role of specialized earth science in improving environmental forecasting.

University of Arizona wins five AI research awards

Read the full article ↗

Open Access Government

Related words

foramen

A natural opening, perforation, or passage in a bone or other anatomical structure…

Science

kittiwake

A small gull with a graceful appearance, typically found in northern coastal regions,…

Science

megafauna

Large or giant animals of a particular region or time period, often used specifically in…

Science

debarment

The official act of excluding, prohibiting, or disqualifying an individual or company…

Science

penchant

A strong or habitual liking for something or a tendency to do something.

Science

perturber

Something or someone that causes a deviation, disturbance, or alteration in the regular…

Science

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.