meteorology

n. uncountable

B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌmitiɝˈɑɫədʒi// UK //mˌiːtɪɔːɹˈɒlədʒi// me·te·o·rol·o·gy

n. the scientific study of the atmosphere and weather. It helps people understand and predict things like rain, wind, and temperature.

n. the branch of science concerned with the processes and phenomena of the atmosphere, especially as a means of forecasting the weather.

SIMPLE

I decided to study meteorology because I love tracking storms.

CONTEXTUAL

Advances in meteorology have significantly improved our ability to predict severe hurricanes and evacuate coastal areas in time.

COMPLEX

Modern meteorology relies on a global network of satellites and supercomputers to model atmospheric changes, though local microclimates can still present significant challenges for precise short-term forecasting.

Origin

Learned borrowing from Ancient Greek μετεωρολογία (meteōrología), from μετέωρα (metéōra, “celestial phenomena”), nominalized from the neuter plural of μετέωρος (metéōros, “high in the sky”), + -λογία (-logía, “study of”). By surface analysis, meteor (“atmospheric phenomenon”) + -ology (“study of”). First attested in 1563.

Usage

Typically used without an article when referring to the field of study.