weathering

noun

weath·​er·​ing

ˈwet͟h-riŋ,

ˈwe-t͟hə- 

: the action of the weather conditions in altering the color, texture, composition, or form of exposed objects

specifically : the physical disintegration and chemical decomposition of earth materials at or near the earth's surface

Examples of weathering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The science payload to be landed there includes seismometers, a drill to allow emplacement of heat flow and electrical conductivity probes, and instruments to study the magnetic field and surface weathering. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2025

Some areas that appear promising for rare earth elements have lots of chemical weathering, in which rocks containing rare earth elements are broken down by reacting with water and air. —Scott McWhorter, The Conversation, 6 May 2025

What To Know The prize-winning method, called enhanced rock weathering, is fairly straightforward, said Jake Jordan, Mati Carbon's chief science officer. —Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025

Carbon removal projects like Alt Carbon’s enhanced rock weathering turn these disadvantages into advantages. —Marianne Lehnis, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for weathering

• feathering
• tethering

Kids Definition

weathering

noun

weath·​er·​ing

ˈwet͟h-(ə-)riŋ

: the action of the forces of nature that changes the color, texture, composition, or form of exposed objects

especially : the physical and chemical breakdown of earth materials at or near the earth's surface