sedimentary

Sometimes sed·i·men·tal

[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. (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

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.

Other Word Forms

• sedimentarily adverb
• unsedimentarily adverb
• unsedimentary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sedimentary¹

First recorded in 1820–30; sediment + -ary

Example Sentences

These teeth commonly appear in sedimentary rocks alongside the bones and teeth of fishes and the giant marine reptiles that dominated many prehistoric ocean ecosystems.

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Imprinted in sediments or sedimentary rock, they record a specific moment of activity and confirm the exact location where an individual stood or moved.

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Comparing the findings of the 1964 earthquake core samples to samples deeper in the coastal stratigraphy, the research team discovered sedimentary and diatom evidence of three other instances where the splay fault ruptured.

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Collisions between tectonic plates buried these sedimentary rocks deep in the Earth's crust where radiogenic heat released by the shale triggered melting of the lower crust.

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One thing about the PVP that delights Coffey is that it is composed of all three kinds of rock — sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous.

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