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

The land is an alluvion of no very ancient formation.

From The Quadroon Adventures in the Far West by Reid, Mayne

But it may be alledged, that those sand banks are increasing still with the alluvion of Germany, instead of being in a decreasing state.

From Theory of the Earth, Volume 2 (of 4) by Hutton, James

So suitable is the rich alluvion of the river banks to the growth of these trees, that in ten years they attain to a sufficient size for felling.

From Continental Monthly , Vol. 5, No. 6, June, 1864 Devoted to Literature and National Policy by Various

The American bottom adjacent to the Mississippi is rich alluvion, and divided into timber and prairie.

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

Rich alluvion along the Mississippi, with much excellent table land,—both timber and prairie interior.

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