sorting

[sawr-ting]

noun

Geology.

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

sorting

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sorting¹

sort + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Here’s what people are sorting through, said Chen:

From Los Angeles Times

Francis spent a few weeks sorting through the archive and discarding lasts and shoe boxes that were too covered in mold or deteriorated to be worth keeping.

From Los Angeles Times

On other days, he's in the hub offering advice to people who drop in for help sorting out a problem.

From BBC

For the rest of the album, she's sorting out her priorities.

From BBC

There were other matters that needed sorting in terms of the playing staff.

From BBC

Related Words

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