sedimentation
Americannoun
noun
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the process of formation of sedimentary rocks
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the deposition or production of sediment
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chem biochem the process by which large molecules or macroscopic particles are concentrated in a centrifugal field in a centrifuge or ultracentrifuge
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of sedimentation
Explanation
The process of particles settling to the bottom of a body of water is called sedimentation. In lakes and rivers, sedimentation can sometimes cause problems for the organisms living there. The best thing about sedimentation is that it can tell geologists a lot about lakes, rivers, and rocky areas from the clues it leaves behind. Layers of sediment in rocks from past sedimentation show the action of currents, reveal fossils, and give evidence of human activity. Sedimentation can be traced back to the Latin sedimentum, "a settling or a sinking down."
Vocabulary lists containing sedimentation
Plate Tectonics - Middle School
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Plate Tectonics - Introductory
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Earth Science - Middle School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Earlier work by the same research group showed that moringa seeds are effective throughout a full treatment cycle, including flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 20, 2026
Because of this, relying only on sedimentation rates made it difficult to determine the true ages of tiny fossils preserved in these layers.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 15, 2026
“If we have a really hot fire that cooks the vegetation that holds the soil together, we could have increased sedimentation, debris and ash flow,” Johnson said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2024
For example, all five of the plant’s primary sedimentation tanks, which remove solids from wastewater, had been out of commission since March 2023.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 19, 2024
When it is necessary to observe sedimentation reactions in very small quantities of fluid, these tubes will be found much more convenient than the 5 by 0.5 cm. test-tubes previously mentioned.
From The Elements of Bacteriological Technique A Laboratory Guide for Medical, Dental, and Technical Students. Second Edition Rewritten and Enlarged. by J. W. H. (John William Henry) Eyre
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
