sedimentation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Academic / Technical
Quick answer
What does “sedimentation” mean?
The process by which solid particles settle out of a liquid or gas and are deposited.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process by which solid particles settle out of a liquid or gas and are deposited.
A geological process forming layers of sediment over time. Metaphorically used to describe the gradual accumulation or formation of ideas, traditions, or cultural layers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Minor spelling variations in related terms (e.g., sedimentology).
Connotations
Identical scientific connotations. Slightly more likely to appear in British environmental policy documents.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general discourse, high frequency in earth sciences and environmental engineering in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “sedimentation” in a Sentence
The [noun] resulted in the sedimentation of [material] in the [location].Sedimentation of [material] occurs when [condition].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sedimentation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The fine particles will sediment out over several hours.
- The reservoir is silting up as material sediments from the upstream river.
American English
- The slurry needs to sediment before decanting.
- They waited for the solids to sediment in the clarifier.
adverb
British English
- The particles settled sedimentationally within the column.
- (Rarely used)
American English
- The material was deposited sedimentationally over millennia.
- (Rarely used)
adjective
British English
- The sedimentary rock layers were clearly visible.
- We studied the sedimentological history of the basin.
American English
- The sedimentary record holds clues to past climates.
- A sedimentological analysis was performed on the core sample.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like wastewater management or mining ('The plant includes a sedimentation pond.').
Academic
Common in geology, environmental science, chemistry, and civil engineering. Used metaphorically in sociology/history.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be heard in contexts like aquarium maintenance or pond cleaning.
Technical
Core term in processes describing separation of solids from fluids by gravity.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sedimentation”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sedimentation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sedimentation”
- Using 'sedimentation' to mean any kind of buildup (e.g., of paperwork).
- Confusing it with 'filtration' or 'centrifugation'.
- Misspelling as 'sedamentation'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Sedimentation relies on gravity to settle solids, while filtration uses a physical barrier to separate them.
Yes, in technical contexts. For example, particulate matter can sediment out of a gas stream in an air pollution control system.
The size and density of the particles relative to the fluid. Larger, denser particles sediment faster.
It describes the gradual, layered accumulation of non-physical things, like cultural practices, beliefs, or bureaucratic rules, over a long period.
The process by which solid particles settle out of a liquid or gas and are deposited.
Sedimentation is usually academic / technical in register.
Sedimentation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɛdɪmɛnˈteɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛdəmənˈteɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Metaphorical] The sedimentation of tradition”
- “[Metaphorical] A sedimentation of bureaucratic rules”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SEDiment settling at the bottom of a river over TIME. SEDimentation = SEDiment + TIME action.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE SEDIMENT; HISTORY IS A SEDIMENTARY PROCESS; CULTURE IS STRATIFIED ROCK.
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is the term 'sedimentation' MOST accurately used?