sedimentary
Origin of sedimentary
1- Sometimes sed·i·men·tal [sed-uh-men-tl] /ˌsɛd əˈmɛn tl/ .
Other words from sedimentary
- sed·i·men·tar·i·ly [sed-uh-muhn-tair-uh-lee, sed-uh-muhn-ter-], /ˌsɛd ə mənˈtɛər ə li, ˈsɛd ə mənˌtɛr-/, adverb
- un·sed·i·men·tar·i·ly, adverb
- un·sed·i·men·ta·ry, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for sedimentary
/ (ˌsɛdɪˈmɛntərɪ) /
characteristic of, resembling, or containing sediment
(of rocks) formed by the accumulation and consolidation of mineral and organic fragments that have been deposited by water, ice, or wind: Compare igneous, metamorphic
Derived forms of sedimentary
- sedimentarily, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for sedimentary
[ sĕd′ə-mĕn′tə-rē ]
Relating to rocks formed when sediment is deposited and becomes tightly compacted. Depending on the origin of the sediments they contain, sedimentary rocks are classified as clastic sedimentary rocks, chemical sedimentary rocks, or evaporites. Sandstone and conglomerate, for example, consist of fragments of broken preexisting rocks or minerals and are classified as clastic sedimentary rocks. Limestone forms from the precipitation of calcium carbonate through water and is classified as a chemical sedimentary rock. Gypsum and halite deposits form through the evaporation of mineral-rich water and are classified as evaporites.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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