Pluvial
adjective /ˈpluːviəl/ — Of rain — relating to a period of abundant rainfall.
Definition
Of or relating to rain; characterised by abundant rainfall; in geology, referring to a period of increased rainfall and associated environmental change.
Beyond the definition
Pluvial dignifies rain the way cerulean dignifies blue — gives it geological and emotional weight. A pluvial climate shaped civilisations (the Sahara was once pluvial; the cities of the ancient Near East rose and fell with pluvial cycles). The word also names the particular quality of a wet season — heavy, generous, transforming.
Origin & history
From Latin pluvialis, from pluvia 'rain', from pluere 'to rain'. Related to pluvius (rainy) and the name Pluvius, an epithet of Jupiter as rain-god.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The region has entered a pluvial phase after a decade of drought — the rivers are rising.
Green Ireland has a pluvial personality: the rain doesn't stop; it becomes the weather.
During the last ice age, the Sahara was pluvial — grassland, lakes, and abundant wildlife.
How to use it
This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.
Choose “Pluvial” when the meaning fits your context: Of or relating to rain; characterised by abundant rainfall; in geology, referring to a period of increased rainfall and associated environmental change.
Synonyms
rainy, wet, torrential, precipitous
Antonyms
arid, dry, droughted
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Pluvial" mean?
Pluvial is adjective meaning: Of rain — relating to a period of abundant rainfall.. Of or relating to rain; characterised by abundant rainfall; in geology, referring to a period of increased rainfall and associated environmental change.
Where does the word "Pluvial" come from?
From Latin pluvialis, from pluvia 'rain', from pluere 'to rain'. Related to pluvius (rainy) and the name Pluvius, an epithet of Jupiter as rain-god.