Grounding [1]

A technique for dissipating static electricity charges from a structure or object, through use of a connection that transfers the static charges into the earth.

If static electricity builds up during a fueling operation, an electrical spark may ignite volatile vapors present at the site. For reasons of safety, then, it is important that static electricity, which may have accumulated, be dissipated. One way to accomplish this is through grounding. 

Grounding is a specific form of bonding in which one or more objects are connected to the earth by means of an attachment to a grounding "point," such as a rod driven into the soil.

See also Bond [2].