rhizoverbBeta
DictionarysedimentDeposited particles
noun

sediment

SED-ih-munt/ˈsedɪmənt/

Solid particles deposited by liquid, wind, ice, or gravity.

A layer of sediment settles at the bottom of the jar.

A clear glass jar of water with brown sediment settled as a distinct layer at its bottom.
Etymology
sediLatinto settle, sit
+mentLatinresult of an action

The underlying image is of matter settling or sitting down. Latin sedimentum named a settling or sinking down, and the English noun names the material left at the bottom.

In context

North Carolina Wildlife Federation0:57
rocks will settle on the bottom and your lighter sediments the smaller sediments will be up near the top as far as the layers go so have fun making your sediment jar
Sediment Jar Activity - North Carolina Wildlife Federation

More examples

  • The river deposits sediment along the bank.
  • She examines layers of sediment in the core sample.
  • Cloudy water clears as the sediment sinks.

Forms

sediment

Similar words

deposit
Any material laid down, not necessarily fine particles.
silt
Silt is one size class of fine sediment; sediment includes coarser and finer particles.