sedimentary

adjective

sed·​i·​men·​ta·​ry ˌse-də-ˈmen-tə-rē 

-ˈmen-trē

1

: of, relating to, or containing sediment

sedimentary deposits

2

: formed by or from deposits of sediment

sedimentary rock

Examples of sedimentary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its characteristics may also be useful for remediation of heavy metals and organic pollutants in sedimentary environments. —Ritsuko Kawai, Wired News, 5 May 2025

Scientists analyzing the image said the area's distinctive reddish hue signals vast oxidation of sedimentary layers caused by extreme climate swings during the Triassic Period, when North America was still part of the supercontinent Pangaea. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025

Previously, experts learned the ancient Martian atmosphere was rich in carbon dioxide (CO2), but lacked enough evidence of sedimentary carbonate materials. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2025

Exposed to the relentless forces of coastal erosion, this nearly intact skull emerged from ancient sedimentary layers. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sedimentary

• alimentary
• complimentary
• documentary
• parliamentary
• rudimentary
• supplementary
• testamentary
• integumentary
• uncomplimentary
• unparliamentary
• interparliamentary
• metasedimentary

Kids Definition

sedimentary

adjective

sed·​i·​men·​ta·​ry ˌsed-ə-ˈment-ə-rē 

-ˈmen-trē

1

: of, relating to, or containing sediment

2

: formed by or from sediment

sedimentary rock

compare igneous, metamorphic