sapropel
[ sap-ruh-pel ]
/ ˈsæp rəˌpɛl /
noun
mud consisting chiefly of decomposed organic matter formed at the bottom of a stagnant sea or lake.
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Origin of sapropel
OTHER WORDS FROM sapropel
sap·ro·pel·ic, adjectiveWords nearby sapropel
saprobiology, saprobiont, saprogen, saprogenic, saprolite, sapropel, saprophagous, saprophyte, saprotroph, saprozoic, saprozoonosis
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British Dictionary definitions for sapropel
sapropel
/ (ˈsæprəˌpɛl) /
noun
an unconsolidated sludge consisting of the decomposed remains of aquatic organisms, esp algae, that accumulates at the bottoms of lakes and oceans
Derived forms of sapropel
sapropelic, adjectiveWord Origin for sapropel
C20: from sapro- + -pel from Greek pēlos mud
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Scientific definitions for sapropel
sapropel
[ săp′rə-pĕl′ ]
An unconsolidated ooze consisting mainly of putrefied plant remains and found in anaerobic areas at the bottom of swamps, lakes, and shallow seas.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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