Phrase guide

surface runoff

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

Overland flow of excess water (with or without accumulated contaminants) that cannot be absorbed by the ground as infiltration.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Examples

  • When there is very heavy rainfall on California hillsides over a prolonged period, there is almost always ensuing surface runoff.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: stormwater, runoff[Appendix:Glossary

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From surface + runoff.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Estonian: äravool — surface runoff
  • Persian: رواناب (ravânâb) — surface runoff
  • Polish: spływ powierzchniowy — surface runoff
  • Portuguese: escoamento superficial — surface runoff