Silt Meaning and Definition
Silt
Pronunciation
/sɪlt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A deposit of fine-grained sediment, typically consisting of silt and clay, formed when water carries and deposits particulate matter.
Examples
- The river carried silt downstream and deposited it in the delta.
- Silt can accumulate in a lake or ocean and affect its water quality.
Synonyms
- Mud
- Sand
- Terra rossa
Antonyms
- Clean
- Clear
Etymology
The word “silt” comes from the Old English word “silt”, which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word “*siltiz”, related to the Proto-Indo-European root “*sleid-“, meaning “to flow” or “to flow away”.
Usage Notes
Silt can refer to any type of fine-grained sediment, including clay, silt, and suspended matter. It is often used in geological and environmental contexts to describe the movement and deposition of sediment in waterways.
Cultural References
Silt has been mentioned in literary works such as “The Great River” by Mark Twain and “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Silt and slime: a metaphorical expression used to describe the accumulation of unwanted or unnecessary elements.
Related Words or Phrases
- Sand
- Clay
- Mud
- Terra rossa
Collocations
- Silt deposit
- Silt layer
- Silt bed
Frequency of Use
Silt is a relatively uncommon word in everyday language, but it is frequently used in scientific and technical contexts, particularly in the fields of geology, hydrology, and ecology.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of silt include “silte”, “sitl”, and “siltz”.