ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sedimentary

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˌsɛdəˈmɛntɝi// UK //sˌɛdɪmˈɛntəɹi// sed·i·men·ta·ry

adj. describing rock that forms from layers of sand, mud, or small pieces of stone that settle over time. These layers get pressed together until they become solid rock.

adj. relating to or formed by the accumulation of sediment, typically through the deposition of mineral or organic particles. Often used to describe geological processes involving pressure and time.


SIMPLE

The cliffs are made of sedimentary rock.

CONTEXTUAL

Geologists study sedimentary layers to understand the environmental conditions of the Earth millions of years ago.

COMPLEX

The presence of sedimentary deposits in the valley suggests that a large river once flowed through the region, carrying silt that eventually hardened into sandstone.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From sediment + -ary.

Usage

Typically used attributively before nouns like 'rock', 'layer', or 'deposit'.

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