What is any form of water, like rain or snow, that falls to Earth's surface called?

The term for any form of water that falls to Earth's surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail, is referred to as precipitation. This process involves the condensation of water vapor in the atmosphere, which accumulates and eventually falls to the ground due to gravitational forces. Understanding precipitation is crucial in meteorology and climate science, as it plays a key role in the water cycle, replenishing freshwater sources and maintaining ecological balance.

Evaporation relates to the process where water transforms from liquid to gas, while condensation refers to the process of gas turning back into liquid. Humidity measures the amount of water vapor present in the air and does not specifically denote falling water. Each of these terms is connected to the broader spectrum of the water cycle, but precipitation specifically addresses the phase where water descends to the Earth's surface.