phreatic

 
Pronunciation: /frɪˈatɪk/

adjective

Geology
  • relating to or denoting underground water in the zone of saturation (beneath the water table). Compare with vadose.
  • (of a volcanic eruption) caused by the heating and expansion of groundwater.

Origin:

late 19th century: from Greek phrear, phreat- 'a well' + -ic