English · Science & Technology
water cycle
/ˈwɔː.tə ˈsaɪ.kəl/
[/ˈwɔː.tə ˈsaɪ.kəl/]
movement of water
Intermediatenoun
Definition
The continuous movement of water through evaporation, clouds, rain, rivers, and back to the sea.
Example
The water cycle moves moisture from the oceans into the sky and back down as rain.
The water cycle moves moisture from the oceans into the sky and back down as rain.
Etymology
Combining 'water' (Old English 'waeter') and 'cycle' (Greek 'kyklos', circle).
How & Where It’s Used
A basic topic in geography and earth science.