sediment

noun

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sed·i·ment | \ ˈse-də-mənt

Definition of sediment

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : the matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid

2 : material deposited by water, wind, or glaciers

sediment

verb

sed·i·ment | \ ˈse-də-ˌment

sedimented; sedimenting; sediments

Definition of sediment (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to deposit as sediment

intransitive verb

1 : to settle to the bottom in a liquid

2 : to deposit sediment

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More About sediment

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Synonyms & Antonyms for sediment

Synonyms: Noun

Synonyms: Verb

lay,
settle

Antonyms: Verb

raise

Examples of sediment in a Sentence

Noun There was a layer of sediment in the bottom of the tank. the sediment at the bottom of the river needs to be routinely dredged so that it doesn't interfere with barge traffic Verb the water flowing into the reservoir is sedimenting silt faster than was originally expected

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The sprawling wetlands that once surrounded Upper Klamath Lake and its tributaries acted as a filter, with plants arresting this sediment and growing luxuriantly in its waylaid nutrients. — Emma Marris, The Atlantic, 5 June 2021 The plankton that live at the surface die and sink to the sediment below, layer after layer. — John Schwartz, New York Times, 4 June 2021 When the lake sediment under Mexico City was still wet, its component particles of clay were arranged in a disorganized manner. — Matt Simon, Wired, 17 May 2021 As the scientists examine more rocks and sediment, Perseverance will collect and cache samples for further study. — Julia Musto, Fox News, 13 May 2021 The foundation would end up enlisting University of Maryland researchers to test sediment found floating in the creek for various pollutants. — Christine Condon, baltimoresun.com, 25 May 2021 This is a type of minerology in which a tiny sliver of Nevada is uniquely rich, and this sediment contains a potentially enormous lithium resource for the U.S. — David Blackmon, Forbes, 25 May 2021 The park’s two lakes, previously clogged with algae and sediment, are now a clear blue. — Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2021 If these highways for water become impaired with grass clippings, sediment, or algae, neighborhoods and homes are likely to flood. — Stuart Fischer, sun-sentinel.com, 20 May 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb The cores, presented here today at the annual meeting of the Geological Society of America, were captured at the farthest extent of the ash’s reach, recorded as wisps of tephra in finely sedimented, ancient mud uplifted near the ocean floor. — Paul Voosen, Science | AAAS, 25 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sediment.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.