sapropel

[ sap-ruh-pel ]

noun

1. mud consisting chiefly of decomposed organic matter formed at the bottom of a stagnant sea or lake.

sapropel

/ ˈsæprəˌpɛl /

noun

1. an unconsolidated sludge consisting of the decomposed remains of aquatic organisms, esp algae, that accumulates at the bottoms of lakes and oceans

sapropel

/ săp′rə-pĕl′ /

1. An unconsolidated ooze consisting mainly of putrefied plant remains and found in anaerobic areas at the bottom of swamps, lakes, and shallow seas.

Derived Forms

• ˌsaproˈpelic, adjective

Other Words From

• sapro·pelic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sapropel¹

1905–10; sapro- + -pel < Greek pēlós mud

Word History and Origins

Origin of sapropel¹

C20: from sapro- + -pel from Greek pēlos mud