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Sedimentation: meaning, definitions and examples

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sedimentation

 

[ˌsedɪmɛnˈteɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in geology

The process of settling or being deposited as a sediment. Sedimentation occurs when particles carried by wind, water, or ice come to rest in layers on the Earth's surface.

Synonyms

accumulation, deposition, settling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sedimentation

Used in scientific contexts, particularly in geology, hydrology, and environmental studies, referring to the process where particles settle out of a fluid such as water or air.

  • The researchers studied sedimentation rates in the river delta.
  • Sedimentation can affect the quality of drinking water.
deposition

Commonly used in legal and scientific contexts. In legal terms, it refers to the process of giving sworn evidence. In science, it refers to the geological process where material is added to a landform.

  • The lawyer scheduled the deposition for next week.
  • River deposition can create new landforms over centuries.
settling

Generally used in everyday language to describe the process of particles gradually coming to rest at the bottom of a liquid or the process of coming to a stable state after a disturbance.

  • After the storm, the dust was still settling.
  • Settling time for the mixture is approximately 10 minutes.
accumulation

Refers to the gradual build-up of substances, objects, or quantities over time, commonly used in various fields like finance, meteorology, or general language. It implies a positive or neutral connotation.

  • The accumulation of wealth can lead to significant economic power.
  • Snow accumulation on the roads made driving conditions hazardous.

Examples of usage

  • The sedimentation of sand at the bottom of a river
  • The sedimentation of silt in a lake
Context #2 | Noun

in chemistry

The separation of suspended solid particles from a liquid solution. Sedimentation is commonly used in the purification of drinking water and wastewater treatment.

Synonyms

clarification, filtration, precipitation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sedimentation

Same as the first entry, used to describe the settling of particles.

  • The sedimentation process in the lake has resulted in a buildup of mud and silt over the years
  • Water treatment plants often use sedimentation tanks to remove particles
precipitation

Used in meteorology to describe forms of water, such as rain, sleet, or snow, falling from the sky, and in chemistry to describe the process of solid particles forming in a solution.

  • The forecast predicts heavy precipitation this weekend
  • In chemistry lab, the precipitation of salt crystals was fascinating to watch
clarification

Used in water treatment and communication contexts to describe the process of making something clear or easier to understand.

  • Clarification of the rules will help avoid any confusion
  • In water treatment, clarification removes solids from the water
filtration

Used in contexts involving the removal of impurities, typically with a physical barrier.

  • The filtration system in the aquarium keeps the water clean
  • Coffee filtration is essential for a smooth beverage

Examples of usage

  • The sedimentation process in a sedimentation tank
  • The sedimentation of particles in a test tube

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originates from the Latin 'sedimentum', which means 'a settling' or 'that which settles'.
  • The concept of sedimentation has evolved from ancient geological studies to include modern environmental science and engineering.

Science

  • Sedimentation is essential in creating sedimentary rocks, forming over millions of years through compression of layered particles.
  • In water bodies, sedimentation affects ecosystems by altering water clarity and affecting plant and animal life.
  • Sedimentation rates can be used to study historical environmental changes and understand climate shifts.

Environmental Impact

  • Excess sedimentation due to human activity can lead to problems like river pollution and loss of habitats for aquatic creatures.
  • Sedimentation in reservoirs can reduce water quality and storage capacity, stressing the importance of proper management.
  • Conservation efforts often focus on reducing sediment runoff to protect water quality in rivers and lakes.

Geology

  • Scientists can determine the age of sediment layers, providing clues about Earth's geological history and past climates.
  • Different types of sediments (like clay, silt, and sand) tell stories about the environment at the time they were deposited.

Cultural References

  • The concept of layers in sedimentation has been used as a metaphor in literature to describe the layers of meaning in life experiences.
  • Artworks often explore themes of sedimentation, using materials that layer to create texture and depth, reflecting the geological process.

Translations

Translations of the word "sedimentation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sedimentação

🇮🇳 अवसादन

🇩🇪 Sedimentation

🇮🇩 pengendapan

🇺🇦 седиментація

🇵🇱 sedymentacja

🇯🇵 沈殿

🇫🇷 sédimentation

🇪🇸 sedimentación

🇹🇷 çökelme

🇰🇷 침전

🇸🇦 ترسيب

🇨🇿 sedimentace

🇸🇰 sedimentácia

🇨🇳 沉积

🇸🇮 sedimentacija

🇮🇸 setmyndun

🇰🇿 шөгінді түзілу

🇬🇪 დალექვა

🇦🇿 çökmə

🇲🇽 sedimentación

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,707 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.