n (meteorology) Any or all of the forms of
water particles, whether
liquid or
solid, that fall from the
atmosphere (e.g.,
rain,
hail,
snow or
sleet). It is a major class of
hydrometeor, but it is distinguished from
cloud,
fog,
dew,
rime,
frost, etc., in that it must fall. It is distinguished from
cloud and
virga in that it must reach the ground.