silt
UK: sɪlt | US: sɪlt
n. fine sand, clay, or other material carried by running water and deposited as sediment
vt. to fill or block with silt
The word "silt" likely originated in the late Middle English period, possibly from Scandinavian sources (e.g., Old Norse sylt or Danish sylt, meaning "salt marsh" or "mud"). It evolved to specifically describe fine-grained sedimentary deposits carried by water. The term reflects the natural process of erosion and deposition, where flowing water separates finer particles (silt) from coarser materials like sand or gravel.
The river delta is rich in fertile silt deposited over centuries.
Heavy rains caused the stream to silt up, blocking the drainage system.
Farmers rely on the annual flooding to replenish their fields with nutrient-rich silt.
The harbor needs dredging to remove accumulated silt and maintain navigation.
Geologists study layers of silt to understand ancient climate patterns.