sediment
Pronunciation: [ˈsɛdɪmənt]
Context: "science"
(noun) small pieces of dirt, sand, or other materials that settle at the bottom of a liquid. When you see layers of soil or sand in a river or lake, that's sediment. It forms over time when the water carries these small particles and they slowly sink.
Example
The sediment in the river helps create a rich environment for plants and animals.
Example
There was no sediment in the clear water; it looked like a still glass.
Example
What types of sediment are found in muddy ponds?
Context: "geology"
(noun) rock materials that have been broken down and transported by wind or water. This meaning relates to how rocks change over time. When larger rocks break into smaller pieces, those pieces can become sediment.
Example
Sediment forms new rocks over many years through the process of compression.
Example
Unlike sediment, igneous rocks do not form from the breakdown of other rocks.
Example
How does sediment contribute to the formation of new landforms?
Context: "science"
(verb) to settle or to cause to settle, especially in a liquid. When a drink has bits of fruit that start to sink, we say they sediment at the bottom.
Example
The orange juice will sediment after a while, so it's good to stir it before drinking.
Example
The mixture didn't sediment at all; everything stayed mixed together.
Example
How long does it take for the particles to sediment in the water?