alluvion

[ uh-loo-vee-uhn ]

noun

1. Law. a gradual increase of land on a shore or a river bank by the action of water, whether from natural or artificial causes.
2. overflow; flood.
3. Now Rare. alluvium.

alluvion

/ əˈluːvɪən /

noun

1. 1. the wash of the sea or of a river
   2. an overflow or flood
   3. matter deposited as sediment; alluvium
2. law the gradual formation of new land, as by the recession of the sea or deposit of sediment on a riverbed

Word History and Origins

Origin of alluvion¹

1530–40; < Latin alluviōn- (stem of alluviō an overflowing), equivalent to al- al- + -luv-, base of -luere, combining form of lavere to wash) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of alluvion¹

C16: from Latin alluviō an overflowing, from luere to wash

Example Sentences

Alluvion, al-lū′vi-un, n. land gained from the sea by the washing up of sand and earth.

From Project Gutenberg

The whole party crowded to the spot where Uncas pointed out the impression of a moccasin in the moist alluvion.

From Project Gutenberg

Further down, abrupt cliffs and overhanging precipices are frequently seen at the termination of the river alluvion.

From Project Gutenberg

The cypress begins near the mouth of the Ohio and spreads through the alluvion portions of the Lower Valley.

From Project Gutenberg

Immediately on the banks of the Ohio and other large rivers are strips of rich alluvion soil.

From Project Gutenberg