the water cycle

noun
🔊/ðə ˈwɔːtə saɪkl/
🔊/ðə ˈwɔːtər saɪkl/
[usually singular]
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  1. the processes by which water passes between the earth's atmosphere, land and oceans, involving water falling from clouds as rain and snow, flowing in streams and rivers to the sea, and then returning to the atmosphere through evaporation and forming clouds again
    • Rainfall is a key link in the global water cycle and a measure for changing climate.降雨是全球水循环中的关键环节,也是改变气候的措施。