sorting

American  

[sawr-ting] / ˈsɔr tɪŋ /

noun

Geology.

1. the process by which sedimentary particles become separated according to some particular characteristic, as size or shape.

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sorting Scientific  

/ sôr′tĭng /

1. The process by which sediment particles that have a certain characteristic, such as a given shape or grain size, are separated from other associated particles by an active agent of transportation, such as wind, a stream, or a glacier.

2. A measure of the degree to which this process has occurred within a body of sediment. Wind-blown sediments are usually well-sorted because only a small range of grain sizes can be lifted by a particular wind velocity. Glacially derived sediments are usually poorly sorted because of the great range of particle sizes that are picked up by a moving glacier.

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Etymology

Origin of sorting

sort + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Dropping my bag on the floor beside the desk, I slide into the roller chair and start the process of opening the mail and sorting it into piles.

From Literature

“A work in progress,” she says about sorting through some difficulties with her partner.

From Los Angeles Times

Investigators are still sorting through the potential causes.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We think that the sorting out of these uncertainties plus likely somewhat slower earnings growth are likely to place a brake on share price appreciation.”

From MarketWatch

Early in the morning, workers prepare to send parcels out for delivery by sorting them into large square tote bags.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• allocation
• allotment
• analysis
• arrangement
• coordination
• designation
• distribution
• grade
• regulation