alluvion

American  

[uh-loo-vee-uhn] / əˈlu vi ən /

noun

1. Law. a gradual increase of land on a shore or a river bank by the action of water, whether from natural or artificial causes.

2. overflow; flood.

3. Now Rare. alluvium.

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alluvion British  

/ əˈluːvɪən /

noun

1. 1. the wash of the sea or of a river

   2. an overflow or flood

   3. matter deposited as sediment; alluvium

2. law the gradual formation of new land, as by the recession of the sea or deposit of sediment on a riverbed

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Etymology

Origin of alluvion

1530–40; < Latin alluviōn- (stem of alluviō an overflowing), equivalent to al- al- + -luv-, base of -luere, combining form of lavere to wash) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

alluvion

When the currents are not strong enough to move the larger banks, they at least carry sand and earth with them, and deposit them as shoals or new alluvion at less exposed spots....

From With the World's Great Travellers, Volume 2 by Various

To scenes warlike and savage succeeded those of a pacific and civilised character—as the turbulent torrent, debouching from its mountain channel, flows in tranquil current through the alluvion of the level plain.

From The Wild Huntress Love in the Wilderness by Mayne Reid

Except at the season of floods, it is not navigable; but the alluvion through which it flows is very productive, while the pine forest immediately to the west is sterile.

From Destruction and Reconstruction: Personal Experiences of the Late War by Richard Taylor

Thou hast broken from the hills that enchained thee, and now rollest far and free, cleaving a wide way through thine own alluvion.

From The Quadroon Adventures in the Far West by Mayne Reid

Yet the first settlers invariably selected the rich alluvion lands upon the navigable rivers, in preference to the scarcely less fertile soil of the prairies, lying in situations less accessible, and more remote from market.

From A New Guide for Emigrants to the West by John Mason Peck