aquifer

[ ak-wuh-fer ]
/ ˈæk wə fər /

noun

any geological formation containing or conducting ground water, especially one that supplies the water for wells, springs, etc.

Origin of aquifer

1900–05; probably < French aquifère (adj.); see aqui-, -fer

Example sentences from the Web for aquifer

British Dictionary definitions for aquifer

aquifer
/ (ˈækwɪfə) /

noun

a porous deposit of rock, such as a sandstone, containing water that can be used to supply wells

Scientific definitions for aquifer

aquifer
[ ăkwə-fər ]

An underground layer of permeable rock, sediment (usually sand or gravel), or soil that yields water. The pore spaces in aquifers are filled with water and are interconnected, so that water flows through them. Sandstones, unconsolidated gravels, and porous limestones make the best aquifers. They can range from a few square kilometers to thousands of square kilometers in size.