Definition

Material that settles at the bottom of a liquid, often consisting of small particles from rocks or organic matter.

Example

After the storm, the river was filled with sediment that had washed down from the hills.

Conversation

Have you ever noticed the sediment at the bottom of the lake?

Yeah, it can really change the water's color and clarity.

I read that it can tell us a lot about the environment too.

Exactly! It’s like a natural history book down there.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To settle or be deposited as particles at the bottom of a liquid.

Example

The minerals began to sediment at the bottom of the lake after the storm.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you noticed how the river seems to sediment more after the rain?

Yeah, it definitely gets murkier and dirtier.

It's fascinating how nature works, right?

Root Explanation

Sediment is formed from "sedere" (meaning to sit) and the suffix "-ment" (indicating the result of an action). The word refers to material that has settled or 'sat' at the bottom of a liquid, such as soil or minerals.

Memory Tip

Think of material that has 'sat' ('sedere') at the bottom of a liquid, which helps you remember that sediment refers to the settled particles.

Visually Confused Words