DictionarydepositionPlacing or settling
noun

deposition

The placing or settling of something in a location.

The river's deposition of sediment gradually builds a new sandbar.

Etymology

Latin de- and ponere express putting down. Deposition preserves that placement image, whether material is deliberately set somewhere or settles there through a natural process.

More examples

  • The experiment measured mineral deposition.
  • Repeated deposition formed distinct layers.
  • They studied deposition along the shoreline.

Forms

deposition

Similar words

settling
Often the process of particles dropping rather than deliberate placement.
accumulation
Accumulation emphasizes increasing quantity rather than the act of settling in place.