artesian

adjective

ar·​te·​sian

(ˈ)är-¦tē-zhən

: involving, relating to, or supplied by the upward movement of water under hydrostatic pressure in rocks or unconsolidated material beneath the earth's surface

artesian spring

artesian water

artesian pressure

—distinguished from subartesian

Word History

Etymology

French artésien, literally, of Artois, from Old French, from Arteis Artois, region of northern France + Old French -ien -ian; from the wells of this type bored in Artois in the 18th century

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!