sapropel

[sap-ruh-pel]

noun

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

Origin of sapropel

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

Related formssap·ro·pel·ic, adjective

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British Dictionary definitions for sapropel

sapropel

noun

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

Derived Formssapropelic, adjective

Word 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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

sapropel in Science

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.