DEW POINT Meaning and
Definition
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The "dew point" refers to the specific temperature at which the air becomes saturated, causing the formation of dew or condensation. It is the point at which the air cannot hold any more moisture, resulting in a visible release of water vapor as droplets on surfaces such as grass, leaves, or chilled objects. Dew point is a critical measure for understanding humidity and its effect on the environment.
To explain further, when air is cooled, its capacity to hold moisture decreases. As the temperature drops, eventually reaching the dew point, the air is no longer able to sustain the moisture it contains, causing water vapor to condense into liquid form. The condensation process is crucial during the formation of dew, frost, fog, and even clouds.
Meteorologists commonly use the dew point as a means of examining and predicting weather conditions. When the air's dew point is close to the actual temperature, it signifies high atmospheric moisture. On the other hand, a significant difference between the two suggests low humidity. In addition, the dew point is vital in determining heat index and how hot the actual temperature feels as higher humidity levels can make the air feel more uncomfortable.
Overall, the dew point is a valuable measure that indicates the temperature at which moisture in the air transitions from vapor to liquid, influencing weather patterns and the perception of temperature.
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The temperature at which the moisture in the atmosphere is precipitated in the form of dew.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Etymology of DEW POINT
The word "dew point" has an etymology that can be traced back to Old English and Old High German.
The term "dew" comes from the Old English word "dēaw", which means "moisture" or "droplets of water". It is related to the Old High German word "tou", which also means "dew".
The word "point" in this context comes from the Latin word "punctum", which means "dot" or "point". In meteorology, the concept of the dew point refers to the temperature at which air becomes saturated and dew forms. This term was likely borrowed from Latin when the study of weather and meteorology began to develop in scientific circles.
Combining the Old English and Old High German roots for "dew" with the Latin word for "point", the term "dew point" was formed to describe this specific meteorological phenomenon.
Similar spelling words for DEW POINT
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