What is the definition of hydrometeor?

The term hydrometeor refers to any form of water that exists in the atmosphere. This encompasses a variety of phenomena, including rain, snow, sleet, and clouds, as all these forms are composed of water vapor and water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the air. Recognizing that hydrometeors are critical components of the atmospheric moisture cycle allows us to better understand weather patterns, precipitation processes, and the overall dynamics of the Earth's climate system.

The other options, while related to water, do not capture the full scope of what a hydrometeor entails. For instance, specific types of cloud formations are just one manifestation of hydrometeors, while water stored in soil and rainwater collected in reservoirs are not atmospheric phenomena but rather contributions to the hydrological cycle on the ground.