evapotranspiration

noun

evapo·​trans·​pi·​ra·​tion i-ˈva-pō-ˌtran(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce evapotranspiration (audio)
: loss of water from the soil both by evaporation and by transpiration from the plants growing thereon

Examples of evapotranspiration in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Amazon rainforest has long had a net cooling effect on the planet, by a process scientists call evapotranspiration. Andrew Jeong, Washington Post, 16 Feb. 2024 Soil moisture sensors show, over time, how much water has gone into the ground, and how much has left, either from drainage or in the form of evapotranspiration from plants. Susan Moran, Discover Magazine, 21 June 2013 In scientific circles, the process has a slightly more dignified name: evapotranspiration. Denise Chow, NBC News, 22 Aug. 2023 Green spaces such as parks and golf courses, in contrast, reduce heat levels in neighborhoods by lowering surface and air temperatures through evapotranspiration. Terri Adams-Fuller, Scientific American, 15 June 2023 See all Example Sentences for evapotranspiration 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'evapotranspiration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

evaporation + transpiration

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of evapotranspiration was in 1938

Dictionary Entries Near evapotranspiration

Cite this Entry

“Evapotranspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evapotranspiration. Accessed 16 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on evapotranspiration

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!