Definition

Material like sand and gravel that is carried away by water from a melting glacier and deposited elsewhere.

Example

The outwash from the glacier created a flat area filled with sand and gravel.

Conversation

Have you ever seen the outwash from a glacier before?

Yeah, it's pretty fascinating how it shapes the landscape.

I read that it consists mostly of sand and gravel.

Exactly! It's amazing how much sediment can be carried away.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Outwash → It is formed from "out-" (meaning outside or away) and "wash" (from Old English "wæscan", meaning to cleanse or wash). The word "outwash" refers to the process of water washing away materials from a glacier or other source, moving them outside or away from the original location.

Memory Tip

Think of water moving 'away' ('out-') to 'cleanse' ('wash') the area, which helps you remember that outwash refers to materials washed away from a source.

Visually Confused Words