Definition

A type of loose material made up of rock fragments and soil that gathers at the bottom of a slope or cliff due to gravity.

Example

The geologist studied the colluvium to understand the area's erosion patterns.

Conversation

Have you ever noticed the colluvium at the base of that hill we hike?

Yeah, it's interesting how all that debris collects there over time.

I wonder how long it takes for that colluvium to form completely.

Probably many years, especially with all the rain we get.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Colluvium is formed from "col-" (meaning together) and "luere" (meaning to wash). The term refers to material that has been washed together, typically soil or sediment that accumulates at the base of a slope due to gravity and water action.

Memory Tip

Think of materials being 'washed together' ('col-' means together and 'luere' means to wash) to remember that colluvium refers to sediment that collects at the bottom of slopes.

Visually Confused Words