Main Entry: al·lu·vi·on

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈlü-vē-ən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Latin alluvion-, alluvio, from alluere to flow past, deposit (of water), from ad- + lavere to wash — more at lye

Date: 1536

1 : the wash or flow of water against a shore
2 : flood, inundation
3 : alluvium
4 : an accession to land by the gradual addition of matter (as by deposit of alluvium) that then belongs to the owner of the land to which it is added; also : the land so added