weathering

noun

weath·​er·​ing

ˈwet͟h-riŋ,

ˈwe-t͟hə- 

: the action of the weather conditions in altering the color, texture, composition, or form of exposed objects

specifically : the physical disintegration and chemical decomposition of earth materials at or near the earth's surface

Examples of weathering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For many of the district’s older restaurants, like Clyde’s or Old Ebbitt Grill, weathering transfers of power is nothing new. —Korsha Wilson, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025

The Industrial styles take cues from natural weathering and precision, calling to mind a revolutionary period defined by innovation, growth, and transformation. —Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 9 Jan. 2025

Ocean alkalinity enhancement bypasses the weathering process by boosting ocean alkalinity directly. —IEEE Spectrum, 26 Dec. 2024

Losing such water content can lead to a breakdown in the carbon cycle, where silicate weathering stops removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and the planet experiences runaway climate change — the same process thought to have occurred on Venus, which may once have been habitable. —Tom Brown, Space.com, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

weathering

noun

weath·​er·​ing

ˈwet͟h-(ə-)riŋ

: the action of the forces of nature that changes the color, texture, composition, or form of exposed objects

especially : the physical and chemical breakdown of earth materials at or near the earth's surface