Alluvial Meaning and Definition
Alluvial
Pronunciation
/əˈluːviəl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A deposit of sand, gravel, or soil that has been transported and deposited by a river or other natural agent.
Etymology
From Latin “alluvius”, meaning “washed up”, from “allue”, meaning “to wash” and “vius”, meaning “pertaining to”.
Usage Notes
Alluvial is often used in geology and geography to describe sedimentary deposits, such as alluvial fans or alluvial plains.
Cultural References
The concept of alluvial deposits has been important in the development of human settlements and agriculture throughout history.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
None
Related Words or Phrases
- Sediment
- Deposition
- Stream
Collocations
- Alluvial fan
- Alluvial plain
- Fluvial deposit
Frequency of Use
Commonly used in scientific and technical contexts.
Common Misspellings
None