alluvial
A deposition of sediment over a long period of time by a riverA deposition of sediment over a long period of time by a river; an alluvial layer.
» Rich alluvial diamond deposits make Namibia a primary source for gem-quality diamonds.
Meaning
2 senses(countable)A deposition of sediment over a long period of time by a river; an alluvial layer.
(countable, uncountable)Alluvial soil; specifically, in Australia, gold-bearing alluvial soil.
Examples
2 sentencesRich alluvial diamond deposits make Namibia a primary source for gem-quality diamonds.
Immediately after the inundation is imbibed, the Beduins sow the seed upon the alluvial mud, without any previous preparation whatever.
Origin
From Latin alluvius (“alluvial”), from alluviō (“an overflowing, inundation”), from alluōFrom Latin alluvius (“alluvial”), from alluviō (“an overflowing, inundation”), from alluō (“wash against”). By surface analysis, alluvium + -ial.
Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Forms
plural: alluvialsWord family
2 related wordsLessons for this word
1 lessons- A1Countable and uncountable nouns — Because it can be uncountable