Word
sedimentation
Phoneticssed·i·men·ta·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ˌsɛdəmənˈteɪʃən/
UK/sˌɛdɪməntˈeɪʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the slow settling of tiny solid pieces to the bottom of a liquid. You see it when sand sinks in water and forms a layer.
n. the process by which suspended particles settle out of a fluid and accumulate as sediment. Extends from geological deposition to laboratory and water-treatment separation.
Examples
“Sedimentation leaves a thin layer of sand at the bottom.”
“The plant uses large tanks where sedimentation removes mud from river water before filtering.”
“After the flood receded, geologists studied patterns of sedimentation across the plain to reconstruct how currents had sorted silt from coarser gravel.”
Examples
simple
“Sedimentation leaves a thin layer of sand at the bottom.”
contextual
“The plant uses large tanks where sedimentation removes mud from river water before filtering.”
complex
“After the flood receded, geologists studied patterns of sedimentation across the plain to reconstruct how currents had sorted silt from coarser gravel.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “sedimentation” in context.
Verb
01. accelerate sedimentation
“Heavy rainfall can accelerate sedimentation in lakes and reservoirs.”
verb + noun
02. measure sedimentation
“Scientists regularly measure sedimentation to monitor coastal erosion.”
verb + noun
03. prevent sedimentation
“Vegetation along the banks helps prevent sedimentation in the stream.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. gradual sedimentation
“Gradual sedimentation built up the delta over thousands of years.”
adj + noun
05. increased sedimentation
“Deforestation caused increased sedimentation in the downstream river.”
adj + noun
06. natural sedimentation
“Natural sedimentation slowly creates fertile plains along the river.”
adj + noun
07. rapid sedimentation
“Rapid sedimentation after the storm filled the reservoir with silt within days.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. effect of sedimentation
“The effect of sedimentation on coral reefs is a major concern.”
noun + prep + noun
09. process of sedimentation
“The process of sedimentation creates distinct layers in sedimentary rock.”
noun + prep + noun
10. high rate of sedimentation
“The lake shows a high rate of sedimentation due to soil erosion upstream.”
11. layer formed by sedimentation
“Each dark band is a layer formed by sedimentation during floods.”
12. prevent excessive sedimentation
“Filters are used to prevent excessive sedimentation in the water tank.”
Real-World Examples
“Subsequent wetting and sedimentation could then bury the tracks and preserve them.” Etymology
From sediment + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/sedimentation