sedimentation

noun

sed·​i·​men·​ta·​tion ˌse-də-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce sedimentation (audio)
-ˌmen-
: the action or process of forming or depositing sediment : settling

Examples of sedimentation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web More:Nonstop dredging kept the Mississippi River open this year, but moving mountains of sand creates its own problems Thin layer placement mimics the natural sedimentation process that creates land. Journal Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2024 In its motion, the county board also called for a sedimentation rate study that would involve setting up gauges at various points in the lake to measure the inflow over a three-year period. Antonio Olivo, Washington Post, 23 Jan. 2024 These include an erythrocyte sedimentation rate test, which measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube, and a C-reactive protein test, which looks for a protein produced in the liver when inflammation is present. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 18 Oct. 2023 Advertisement Dredging is the removal of sediments and debris from the bottom of water bodies and is routinely needed because sedimentation gradually fills channels, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2023 Other factors affecting corals and ocean health in Hawaii Hawaii is also experiencing other stressors, such as wastewater pollution, sedimentation from runoff from streams and overfishing, Starck said. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 21 July 2023 These aim to prevent further erosion, and gradually restore marshland and natural sedimentation. Millie Brigaud, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 Aug. 2023 Geologic movement and sedimentation, common in caves, could have moved the bones and covered them with dirt. Byann Gibbons, science.org, 5 June 2023 Construction on the pipeline was supposed to be complete by 2018, but environmental groups have successfully challenged a series of federal permits in court, where judges have found the pipeline developers’ analyses about the effects on wildlife, sedimentation and erosion lacking. Hiroko Tabuchi, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Aug. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sedimentation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sedimentation was in 1848

Dictionary Entries Near sedimentation

Cite this Entry

“Sedimentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sedimentation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sedimentation

noun
sed·​i·​men·​ta·​tion ˌsed-ə-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce sedimentation (audio)
-ˌmen-
: the action or process of depositing sediment

Medical Definition

sedimentation

noun
sed·​i·​men·​ta·​tion ˌsed-ə-(ˌ)men-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce sedimentation (audio)
1
: the action or process of depositing sediment
2
: the depositing especially by mechanical means of matter suspended in a liquid

More from Merriam-Webster on sedimentation

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