sorting

[ sawr-ting ]

noun

, Geology.

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

sorting

/ 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sorting¹

sort + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

By sorting truth from deceit, holding the adage that humanity’s greatest weapon is the lie, the Sisterhood wields influence throughout the galactic Imperium by inserting their representatives at the side of every ruler.

From Salon

When it comes to sorting these problems little is made easier by an environment that chews through coaches at an alarming rate.

From BBC

The same applies whether on the bus, sheltering in a tube station or sorting through the rubble.

From Los Angeles Times

"And so in that sense we wanted players to fall upon and see the echoes that they may not have noticed or have been using while they're sorting through all the echoes that they have."

From BBC

"So I’ll be sorting through the mail, cancelling the stamps, and then sending them on via passing cruise ships," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

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