weathering
WETH-uh-ring
ˈwɛðərɪŋ
The process of wearing away or changing the appearance or texture of something by long exposure to the air. In geology, the breakdown of rocks, soils, and minerals through contact with the Earth's atmosphere, biota, and waters.
Focuses on the breakdown of material in situ (in place).
The story behind the word. The word "weathering" comes from the Old English word "weder," meaning "air" or "sky," which is also the root of our word "weather." It makes perfect sense: weathering is the process by which rocks and other materials are broken down or altered by exposure to the elements of the weather – rain, wind, ice, and temperature changes – right where they stand.
Word relationships
- disintegration: General term for breaking into small pieces.
- decomposition: Breaking down by chemical or biological processes.
- formation: The process of being created.
- preservation: The act of keeping something in its original state.
Commonly confused with
- erosion: Weathering is the breakdown of material in place, while erosion is the movement and removal of that material.
Word family
- weather (verb): To be worn away or altered by exposure to the elements.
- weathered (adjective): Worn, discolored, or aged by exposure to the elements.
Collocations
- chemical weathering
- physical weathering
- biological weathering
- signs of weathering
Idioms & expressions
- weather the storm
Example sentences
- "Chemical weathering can dissolve certain minerals in rock, weakening its structure." Explaining rock cycles.
- "The ancient statues showed significant signs of weathering, their features softened by centuries of rain and wind." Describing ancient monuments.
Memory hook
'Weathering' is what the weather does to rocks, breaking them down. Weather breaks rocks
When not to use
Don't confuse with erosion, which involves movement. Weathering is stationary breakdown.
Fun facts
- There are two main types: physical (or mechanical) weathering and chemical weathering.
Explore more words
erosion, degradation, Weather, crumble, preservation, attrition
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