runoff
pronunciation
How to pronounce runoff in British English:
UK ['rʌnˌɔ:f]
How to pronounce runoff in American English:
US [ˈrʌnˌɔf, -ˌɑf]
-
- Noun:
- the occurrence of surplus liquid (as water) exceeding the limit or capacity
- a final election to resolve an earlier election that did not produce a winner
Word Origin
- runoff (n.)
- also run-off, "precipitation water drained by streams and rivers," 1887, from run (v.) + off (adv.). Meaning "deciding race after a tie" is from 1873; electoral sense is attested by 1910, American English.
Example
- 1. During this past research season the scientists recorded unprecedented lake levels caused by higher glacial runoff .
- 2. Phosphorus pollution comes from multiple sources , including fertilizer and manure that enter the water through runoff .
- 3. Differences in brightness in coastal area waters may be due to other factors , including freshwater runoff , strong currents , and water depth and clarity .
- 4. Farmers then began conserving water by moving to drip irrigation and by leveling their fields with lasers to minimize wasteful runoff .
- 5. These opinions recognize that current farming methods bring serious environmental problems involving water supplies , fertilizer runoff and energy use .