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sedimentary

adjective sed·i·men·ta·ry \ ˌse-də-ˈmen-tə-rē , -ˈmen-trē \
Updated on: 5 May 2018
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Definition of sedimentary

1 : of, relating to, or containing sediment
  • sedimentary deposits
2 : formed by or from deposits of sediment
  • sedimentary rock

See sedimentary defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of sedimentary from the Web

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

First Known Use of sedimentary

1830

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Other Geology Terms

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

SEDIMENTARY Defined for English Language Learners

sedimentary

adjective

Definition of sedimentary for English Language Learners

  • : made from material that sinks to the bottom of a liquid : made from sediment

SEDIMENTARY Defined for Kids

sedimentary

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

Definition of sedimentary for Students

: relating to or formed from sediment
  • Sandstone is a sedimentary rock.

Learn More about sedimentary

  1. See words that rhyme with sedimentary Nglish: Translation of sedimentary for Spanish speakers

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