rainwater

Everyday

Water that has fallen as rain. tree →

In the lessons

In science, rainwater is part of the water cycle: water evaporates, forms clouds, falls as rain and runs into rivers and the sea. People collect rainwater in water butts or tanks to water gardens and save tap water. In safety, rainwater is not safe to drink unless it is treated, and rainwater in drains and floods can be dangerous and dirty. Phrases: «collect rainwater», «rainwater tank», «rainwater butt».

Examples

• We collect rainwater in a barrel for the garden. tree →
• Rainwater ran down the windows. tree →
• Plants like rainwater better than tap water. tree →
• Rainwater flows into streams and then rivers. tree →
• Don't drink rainwater from puddles. tree →
• Our class measured the rainwater with a rain gauge. tree →
• In Australia, many houses have a rainwater tank. tree →
• The gutter carries rainwater off the roof. tree →

Note

Uncountable, one word: «some rainwater». Rain itself is clean-looking but picks up dust and dirt on the way down and from roofs.