noun

aquifer

AK-wi-fuh

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Aquifer (noun) means an underground layer of rock, earth or gravel that holds water and lets it pass through. Example: “The town's drinking water comes from a deep aquifer under the hills.”

noun

An underground layer of rock, earth or gravel that holds water and lets it pass through.

"The town's drinking water comes from a deep aquifer under the hills."

"Farmers in the valley pump irrigation water from the same aquifer."

"Years of overuse have left the aquifer badly depleted."

How to use aquifer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt is the underground rock or gravel layer that wells and boreholes tap for water.

When to use it

It is a standard technical term used in geology, hydrology and everyday reporting on water supply.

Memory tip

Picture it as a giant underground sponge of rock or gravel rather than an open pool of water.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

underground aquifer deep aquifer drain an aquifer tap an aquifer recharge an aquifer

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “aquifer” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The town's drinking water comes from a deep _____ under the hills.

Etymology

The word is built from the combining form aqui-, linked to water, and the suffix -fer, meaning bearing or carrying. Together they describe something that holds and carries water underground.

Origin: English

Rhymes for aquifer

lifer heifer Lucifer Jennifer

See all rhymes for aquifer →

Frequently asked questions

What is an aquifer in simple terms?

It is an underground layer of rock, earth or gravel that stores water and allows it to move through it, so wells can draw it up.

How is an aquifer different from a water table?

An aquifer is the water-bearing layer of ground itself, while the water table is the upper level at which the ground is saturated with water within it.

Can an aquifer run dry?

Yes, if water is pumped out faster than rain and other sources can refill it, the aquifer's water level falls and it can become severely depleted.

What is the meaning of aquifer?

"aquifer" (noun) means an underground layer of rock, earth or gravel that holds water and lets it pass through.