water cycle

[/ˈwɔːtər ˈsaɪkəl/]
nounpl: water cycles
ciclo da água
1. The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth, involving processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection
The water cycle is essential for distributing fresh water across the planet.
O ciclo da água é essencial para distribuir água doce em todo o planeta.
2. The process by which water evaporates from water bodies, condenses into clouds, and returns to Earth as precipitation
Students learned about the water cycle in their science class.
Os alunos aprenderam sobre o ciclo da água em sua aula de ciências.
The water cycle is a fundamental concept in both Brazilian and American science education, typically introduced in elementary school. In Brazil, it's a key topic in 'Ciências' (Science) curriculum. The term is used universally in environmental discussions and climate change discourse in both countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
hydrologic cyclehydrological cyclewater cycle process

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
ciclo da água
Standard term used in educational and scientific contexts
Portugal
ciclo da água
Same usage as Brazilian Portuguese; also 'ciclo hidrológico' in more technical contexts
North America
water cycle
Primary term used in environmental science and education

Related Words

evaporationcondensationprecipitationtranspirationgroundwaterrunoffatmosphere

Related Idioms & Phrases

go with the flow (metaphorically related to water movement)
the cycle continues
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