sorting

American  

[sawr-ting] / ˈsɔr tɪŋ /

noun

Geology.

1. the process by which sedimentary particles become separated according to some particular characteristic, as size or shape.

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sorting Scientific  

/ sôr′tĭng /

1. The process by which sediment particles that have a certain characteristic, such as a given shape or grain size, are separated from other associated particles by an active agent of transportation, such as wind, a stream, or a glacier.

2. A measure of the degree to which this process has occurred within a body of sediment. Wind-blown sediments are usually well-sorted because only a small range of grain sizes can be lifted by a particular wind velocity. Glacially derived sediments are usually poorly sorted because of the great range of particle sizes that are picked up by a moving glacier.

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Etymology

Origin of sorting

sort + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Once there, they endured a cruel sorting in the gymnasium of the Ingram Elementary School, which had been repurposed as a reunification center.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

"If this is correct, I am deeply concerned about this practice, and I will be contacting the sorting office," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

Materne expects that software stocks will go through a sorting process, meaning that successful software investors will need to be discerning when looking for opportunities.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

During peak operating hours, when all conveyor belts and baggage sorting equipment are running, the airport relies on Critical Loop’s controller to predict and manage on-site battery needs.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

M. Bouc, meanwhile, seizing upon the one tangible thing his friend had mentioned, was sorting through the passports.

From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie

Related Words

• allocation
• allotment
• analysis
• arrangement
• coordination
• designation
• distribution
• grade
• regulation