Denudation: meaning, definitions and examples

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denudation

 

[ dɪˈnjuːdeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

geological process

Denudation refers to the process of eroding and wearing away the surface of the Earth, typically by water, wind, ice, or biological activity. This process can lead to the removal of soil, rocks, and other materials, shaping landscapes and influencing geological formations over time.

Synonyms

erosion, wearing away, weathering

Examples of usage

  • The denudation of the mountains has altered their appearance significantly over the centuries.
  • Denudation rates can vary dramatically based on environmental conditions and human activities.
  • Farmers must be cautious to prevent denudation of fertile soil due to excessive tillage.

Translations

Translations of the word "denudation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desnudação

🇮🇳 नग्नता

🇩🇪 Enthüllung

🇮🇩 pengungkapan

🇺🇦 оголення

🇵🇱 denudacja

🇯🇵 露出

🇫🇷 dénudation

🇪🇸 desnudación

🇹🇷 açığa çıkarma

🇰🇷 노출

🇸🇦 كشف

🇨🇿 odhalení

🇸🇰 odhalenie

🇨🇳 剥蚀

🇸🇮 razodetje

🇮🇸 afklæðing

🇰🇿 ашу

🇬🇪 გამოკვეთა

🇦🇿 açma

🇲🇽 desnudación

Etymology

The term 'denudation' is derived from the Latin word 'denudare', which means 'to strip' or 'to bare'. It combines the prefix 'de-', indicating removal or reversal, with 'nudare', from 'nudus', meaning 'naked' or 'bare'. The word has been used in geological contexts since the late 19th century, evolving to describe the various processes that lead to the loss of surface material from the Earth's crust. Over time, denudation has become a key concept in understanding landscape evolution and the dynamics of Earth's surface processes, played out through forces such as weather, climatic changes, and human intervention.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,903, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.