sedimentary

[ sed-uh-men-tuh-ree ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of sediment.
2. Geology. formed by the deposition of sediment, as certain rocks.

sedimentary

/ ˌsɛdɪˈmɛntərɪ /

adjective

1. characteristic of, resembling, or containing sediment
2. See metamorphic, igneous
   (of rocks) formed by the accumulation and consolidation of mineral and organic fragments that have been deposited by water, ice, or wind Compare igneous metamorphic

sedimentary

/ sĕd′ə-mĕn′tə-rē /

1. Relating to rocks formed when sediment is deposited and becomes tightly compacted. Depending on the origin of the sediments they contain, sedimentary rocks are classified as clastic sedimentary rocks, chemical sedimentary rocks, or evaporites. Sandstone and conglomerate, for example, consist of fragments of broken preexisting rocks or minerals and are classified as clastic sedimentary rocks. Limestone forms from the precipitation of calcium carbonate through water and is classified as a chemical sedimentary rock. Gypsum and halite deposits form through the evaporation of mineral-rich water and are classified as evaporites.

Derived Forms

• ˌsediˈmentarily, adverb

Other Words From

• sed·i·men·tar·i·ly [sed-, uh, -m, uh, n-, tair, -, uh, -lee, sed, -, uh, -m, uh, n-ter-], adverb
• unsed·i·men·tari·ly adverb
• unsed·i·menta·ry adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sedimentary¹

First recorded in 1820–30; sediment + -ary

Example Sentences

The three types are igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock.

From Science News For Students

Like Kodiak, the western fan was built slowly over time by the deposition of sedimentary layers transported by water.

From Time

For example, the tilted layers of sedimentary rock and cementlike mixtures of coarse sand and pebbles in this rock feature, nicknamed “Delta Scarp,” confirm the delta’s wet history.

From Science News

Their sedimentary remains formed the building blocks of limestone and other soluble rocks.

From Washington Post

“I’m trying to do justice to my feeling of what the mind is like — it’s sedimentary,” Sacks told Joshua Rothman in a New Yorker profile.

From Washington Post

He kept encasing his answers in sedimentary layers of facts and assertions.

From The Daily Beast

The foot plateau which succeeds is composed of sedimentary rocks dating from Trias to Jurassic.

From Project Gutenberg

The "erratics" comprised a great variety of metamorphic and igneous rocks, and, on a more limited scale, sedimentary types.

From Project Gutenberg

Here the material is redeposited in sedimentary strata, and this may emerge into the light in the ages yet to be.

From Project Gutenberg

At Vanmater's, the metalliferous clay marl is overlaid by a grayish sedimentary limestone.

From Project Gutenberg

An important class of rocks occurring in the Catoctin Belt is the sedimentary series.

From Project Gutenberg