eluvium

[ ih-loo-vee-uhm ]

noun

, Geology.

, plural e·lu·vi·a [ih-, loo, -vee-, uh].

1. a deposit of soil, dust, etc., formed from the decomposition of rock and found in its place of origin.

eluvium

/ ɪˈluːvɪəm /

noun

1. a mass of sand, silt, etc: a product of the erosion of rocks that has remained in its place of origin

eluvium

/ ĭ-lo̅o̅′vē-əm /

1. Residual deposits of soil, dust, and sand produced by the action of the wind.
2. Residual deposits of soil, dust, and rock particles produced by the in-situ decomposition and disintegration of rock.

Derived Forms

• eˈluvial, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of eluvium¹

1880–85; formed on the model of alluvium from Latin ēluere (of water) to wash out (soil, etc.); elute

Word History and Origins

Origin of eluvium¹

C19: New Latin, from Latin ēluere to wash out