1. n. [Geology]

Water that occurs naturally within the pores of rock. Water from fluids introduced to a formation through drilling or other interference, such as mud and seawater, does not constitute interstitial water. Interstitial water, or formation water, might not have been the water present when the rock originally formed. In contrast, connate water is the water trapped in the pores of a rock during its formation, also called fossil water.

Antonyms: connate water

Alternate Form: formation water

See related terms: brine,  fresh water,  pore