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any geological formation containing or conducting ground water, especially one that supplies the water for wells, springs, etc.
Contemporary Examples

In west-central Kansas, up to a fifth of the irrigated farmland along a 100-mile swath of the aquifer has already gone dry.
When the Wells Go Dry in the Great Plains Justin Green May 19, 2013

Palestinians are only allowed to dig wells 150 meters deep, but Israelis dig to the aquifer.
‘The Fading Valley’ Brings Jordan Valley Inequalities into Stark Relief Matt Surrusco November 19, 2013

Improper mining could kill the Kabul River and poison the aquifer for generations to come.
Afghanistan’s Mineral Wealth Could Be a Bonanza—or Lead to Disaster Dr. Cheryl Benard July 3, 2012

Vast stretches of Texas farmland lying over the aquifer no longer support irrigation.
When the Wells Go Dry in the Great Plains Justin Green May 19, 2013

Refilling the aquifer would require hundreds, if not thousands, of years of rains.
When the Wells Go Dry in the Great Plains Justin Green May 19, 2013

Historical Examples

Which will supply the larger region with artesian wells, an aquifer whose dip is steep or one whose dip is gentle?
The Elements of Geology William Harmon Norton

And we know just what the strata formations are both below the reservoir and in the aquifer downstream.
The Thirst Quenchers Rick Raphael

The aquifer dips toward the region of the wells from higher ground, where it outcrops and receives its water.
The Elements of Geology William Harmon Norton

noun
a porous deposit of rock, such as a sandstone, containing water that can be used to supply wells
n.

1897, coined from Latin aqui-, comb. form of aqua “water” (see aqua-) + -fer “bearing,” from ferre “to bear” (see infer).
aquifer
(āk’wə-fər)
An underground layer of permeable rock, sediment (usually sand or gravel), or soil that yields water. The pore spaces in aquifers are filled with water and are interconnected, so that water flows through them. Sandstones, unconsolidated gravels, and porous limestones make the best aquifers. They can range from a few square kilometers to thousands of square kilometers in size.