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phreatic

adjective phre·at·ic \ frē-ˈa-tik \

Definition of phreatic

1 :of, relating to, or being groundwater

2 :of, relating to, or being an explosion caused by steam derived from groundwater

Recent Examples of phreatic from the Web

The volcano had experienced a phreatic explosion (water-magma explosions) in early January.

— erik klemetti, WIRED, "Wednesday Whatzits," 27 May 2009

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'phreatic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of phreatic

Greek phreat-, phrear well; akin to Armenian ałbiwr spring, Old High German brunno — more at burn

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1890

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