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

A level-topped bank; the water has cut its way down through the soft alluvion of an elevated plain to the limestone rock at the bottom.

From Lectures on Landscape Delivered at Oxford in Lent Term, 1871 by John Ruskin

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

Surface various; along the river and creeks, low alluvion; soil, loam mixed with sand.

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

The soil in the river valley is a rich black alluvion.

From Scenes and Andventures in the Semi-Alpine Region of the Ozark Mountains of Missouri and Arkansas by Henry Rowe Schoolcraft

Along the waters of Gasconade and Black rivers the hills are frequently abrupt and rocky, with strips of rich alluvion along the water courses.

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