orographic

adjective

oro·​graph·​ic ˌȯr-ə-ˈgra-fik How to pronounce orographic (audio)
variants or less commonly orographical
ˌȯr-ə-ˈgra-fi-kəl How to pronounce orographic (audio)
: of or relating to mountains
especially : associated with or induced by the presence of mountains
orographic rainfall

Examples of orographic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That's because cloud seeding is mostly done with clouds that rise over mountains in the winter time, called orographic clouds, Rauber said. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 This intense orographic lift will squeeze out additional moisture as heavy rain on the windward side of these mountains. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2026 Of course, the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst and Sunset fire zones are all located on — or adjacent to — hilly terrain where the combination of slope and maybe even some orographic enhancement could increase rainfall and debris flow amounts. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2025 For portions of Puerto Rico, moisture associated with Jerry combined with local orographic effects may result in up to 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated 6 inches. — Miami Herald Hurricane Bot, Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for orographic

Word History

Etymology

orography + -ic entry 1, probably after French orographique or German orographisch

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of orographic was in 1803

Rhymes for orographic

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Browse Nearby Words

orograph
orographic
orographic rain
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Orographic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orographic. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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