sedimentary

American  

[sed-uh-men-tuh-ree] / ˌsɛd əˈmɛn tə ri /

Sometimes sedimental

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of sediment.

2. Geology. formed by the deposition of sediment, as certain rocks.

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sedimentary British  

/ 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

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sedimentary Scientific  

/ 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.

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Other Word Forms

• sedimentarily adverb
• unsedimentarily adverb
• unsedimentary adjective

Etymology

Origin of sedimentary

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.

From Science Daily

Soon after landing, Perseverance spotted layering in Séítah rocks that, at first blush, made them seem sedimentary.

From Science Magazine

"Based on rover and helicopter imaging to date, we will likely encounter sedimentary rocks there that we anticipate will align better with our Earth-based test experience," Jandura said.

From Salon

Locating Davis meant scanning through books that are no longer so much shelved as much as piled in a sedimentary manner throughout the office.

From Washington Post

“All of the tools they’re bringing to bear is really impressive,” said Indiana University sedimentary geologist Douglas Edmonds, who is not part of the project but has worked with many of the researchers.

From Seattle Times