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

Such is the sylva that covers the alluvion of Louisiana.

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

The hoof of my horse no longer sinks in light sand or dark alluvion.

From The Rifle Rangers by Reid, Mayne

A part of this county lies in the American bottom, and is a rich and level alluvion; but much of the county is high, undulating, and proportionably divided into timber and prairie.

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

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 Peck, John Mason

Immediately on the banks of the Ohio and other large rivers are strips of rich alluvion soil.

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