sapropel

[sap-ruh-pel]

noun

1. mud consisting chiefly of decomposed organic matter formed at the bottom of a stagnant sea or lake.

sapropel

/ ˈsæprəˌpɛl /

noun

1. an unconsolidated sludge consisting of the decomposed remains of aquatic organisms, esp algae, that accumulates at the bottoms of lakes and oceans

sapropel

1. An unconsolidated ooze consisting mainly of putrefied plant remains and found in anaerobic areas at the bottom of swamps, lakes, and shallow seas.

Other Word Forms

• sapropelic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sapropel¹

1905–10; sapro- + -pel < Greek pēlós mud

Word History and Origins

Origin of sapropel¹

C20: from _sapro- + -pel from Greek pēlos mud