sediment
UK: ˈsɛdɪmənt | US: ˈsɛdəmənt
n. matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid
n. material deposited by water, wind, or glaciers
n. (geology) solid particles transported and accumulated by natural processes
Derived from Latin sedimentum ("a settling"), from sedere ("to sit"). The root sed- implies stillness or deposition, while -ment forms nouns indicating the result of an action. The word evolved through French (sédiment) to describe accumulated matter, reflecting the literal "sitting down" of particles over time.
The river's sediment creates fertile soil along its banks.
Scientists analyzed the sediment layers to study climate history.
Over centuries, sediment compacted into sedimentary rock.
The wine bottle had a thick layer of sediment at the bottom.
Erosion transports sediment from mountains to coastal areas.