hydrology

noun

hy·​drol·​o·​gy hī-ˈdrä-lə-jē 

: a science dealing with the properties, distribution, and circulation of water on and below the earth's surface and in the atmosphere

hydrologic

ˌhī-drə-ˈlä-jik 

adjective

or hydrological

ˌhī-drə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

hydrologically

ˌhī-drə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

hydrologist

hī-ˈdrä-lə-jist 

noun

Examples of hydrology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Balaji Rajagopalan, a professor of hydrology at the University of Colorado, published research this year that suggested the Colorado River basin is likely to receive more precipitation in the next 25 years, meaning more water in the river. —Austin Corona, The Arizona Republic, 7 Dec. 2024

Under this option, a large share of Lower Basin cutbacks would be based on the seven-reservoir storage capacity, recent hydrology and voluntary contributions from the two basins. —Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 20 Nov. 2024

The beauty and abundance of shrublands in the West are packed with inspiration throughout its diverse topography, geology, hydrology and microclimates. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024

Hannah Cloke, a professor of hydrology at the UK’s University of Reading, said the high death toll suggests Spain’s regional emergency alerts system failed. —Sophie Tanno, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin hydrologia, from Latin hydr- + -logia -logy

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hydrology

noun

hy·​drol·​o·​gy hī-ˈdräl-ə-jē 

: a science dealing with the characteristics, distribution, and circulation of water on and below the surface of the land and in the atmosphere

hydrologic

ˌhī-drə-ˈläj-ik 

adjective

or hydrological

-i-kəl 

hydrologist

hī-ˈdräl-ə-jist 

noun

Medical Definition

hydrology

noun

hy·​drol·​o·​gy hī-ˈdräl-ə-jē 

plural hydrologies

: the body of medical knowledge and practice concerned with the therapeutic use of bathing and water