sediment
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1sed·i·ment

noun \ˈse-də-mənt\

Definition of SEDIMENT

1
: the matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid
2
: material deposited by water, wind, or glaciers

Examples of SEDIMENT

  1. There was a layer of sediment in the bottom of the tank.
  2. <the sediment at the bottom of the river needs to be routinely dredged so that it doesn't interfere with barge traffic>

Origin of SEDIMENT

Latin sedimentum settling, from sedēre to sit, sink down
First Known Use: 1547

Related to SEDIMENT

Other Geology Terms

anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale

Rhymes with SEDIMENT

2sed·i·ment

verb \-ˌment\

Definition of SEDIMENT

transitive verb
: to deposit as sediment
intransitive verb
1
: to settle to the bottom in a liquid
2
: to deposit sediment

Examples of SEDIMENT

  1. <the water flowing into the reservoir is sedimenting silt faster than was originally expected>

First Known Use of SEDIMENT

1859

Related to SEDIMENT

Synonyms
lay, settle
Antonyms
raise

Other Geology Terms

anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale

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