sediment

[sed-uh-muhnt, sed-uh-ment] / ˈsɛd ə mənt, ˈsɛd əˌmɛnt /

NOUN

solid residue from liquid solution

Synonyms

STRONGEST

debris powder silt trash waste

STRONG

deposit dregs dross gook grounds gunk lees matter precipitate precipitation residuum settling slag solids

Antonyms

STRONGEST

possessions

WEAK

whole

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To determine when the sediment was last exposed, the team used luminescence dating.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

"So the boats overflow and over-spill sediment, propellers churn sediment up on the lake bed and there's run-off from the storage yards."

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

These structures form when communities of microbes grow across sediment, leaving behind distinctive patterns.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

In addition, they are prevalent throughout the environment — in alpine snow, deep sea sediment and drinking water.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

I watch them sink to the bottom of the glass, shining sediment.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

Vocabulary lists containing sediment

Physical Geography - Introductory

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Can You Dig It? Words for Dirt and Soil

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Physical Geography - Middle School

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!