sedimentary

[ sed-uh-men-tuh-ree ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of sediment.
2. Geology. formed by the deposition of sediment, as certain rocks.

sedimentary

/ ˌsɛdɪˈmɛntərɪ /

adjective

1. characteristic of, resembling, or containing sediment
2. (of rocks) formed by the accumulation and consolidation of mineral and organic fragments that have been deposited by water, ice, or wind Compare igneous metamorphic

sedimentary

/ sĕd′ə-mĕn′tə-rē /

1. Relating to rocks formed when sediment is deposited and becomes tightly compacted. Depending on the origin of the sediments they contain, sedimentary rocks are classified as clastic sedimentary rocks, chemical sedimentary rocks, or evaporites. Sandstone and conglomerate, for example, consist of fragments of broken preexisting rocks or minerals and are classified as clastic sedimentary rocks. Limestone forms from the precipitation of calcium carbonate through water and is classified as a chemical sedimentary rock. Gypsum and halite deposits form through the evaporation of mineral-rich water and are classified as evaporites.

Derived Forms

• ˌsediˈmentarily, adverb

Other Words From

• sed·i·men·tar·i·ly [sed-, uh, -m, uh, n-, tair, -, uh, -lee, sed, -, uh, -m, uh, n-ter-], adverb
• unsed·i·men·tari·ly adverb
• unsed·i·menta·ry adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sedimentary¹

First recorded in 1820–30; sediment + -ary

Example Sentences

“Over millions of years, material from this ring gradually fell to Earth, creating the spike in meteorite impacts observed in the geological record... We also see that layers in sedimentary rocks from this period contain extraordinary amounts of meteorite debris,” said lead study author Andy Tomkins in a statement.

From Salon

When earthquake energy is sent into these sedimentary basins, it amplifies the intensity of the shaking — perhaps 10 times worse than if someone were on bedrock — and also causes shaking to resonate like a bowl of Jell-O, extending the duration.

From Los Angeles Times

He and his family live in Colorado on top of a geological feature known as the Morrison Formation, a stretch of sedimentary rock dating back to the Jurassic period which covers 600,000 square miles of the western United States.

From BBC

Perseverance was then to leave Ingenuity behind and begin studying ancient sedimentary rocks along the rim of Jezero crater, which held a lake of water several billion years ago.

From New York Times

They noticed there was a clear sedimentary change from pre-earthquake lagoon silt to post-earthquake rooted soil.

From Science Daily