subsidence
subsidence Lexical Profile
subsidence Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The gradual caving in, sinking, or settling of an area of land or a structure due to underground excavation, groundwater extraction, or soil compression.
"Decades of intensive coal mining and groundwater pumping caused severe ground subsidence across the valley."
The gradual abatement, lessening, or diminuation of something intense, such as a storm, floodwaters, fever, or emotional agitation.
"Doctors closely monitored the patient until the gradual subsidence of the fever indicated that the antibiotic treatment was working."
The extensive sinking of a large mass of air in the atmosphere, typically associated with high-pressure systems, warming air, and clear skies.
"Atmospheric subsidence prevented cloud formation over the region, resulting in a prolonged summer heatwave."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'subsidence' (the sinking of land or a gradual lessening of intensity) with 'subsistence' (the action or fact of maintaining oneself at a minimum level of survival).
• Rhymes for subsidence
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-17th century from Late Latin subsidentia ('a settling down' or 'sediment'), from Latin subsidere ('to sink down' or 'settle'), formed from sub- ('under' or 'down') and sidere ('to sit' or 'settle').