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

The team was sorting through injuries while trying to integrate new pieces.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

Instead of starting with a broad index and sorting stocks into two groups, this fund targets stocks that show value characteristics relative to industry peers.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

More than that, the relationship of the new Section 122 tariffs with existing trade agreements requires sorting out, with battalions of lawyers and consultants ready to provide high-priced advice on the rapidly changing environment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

After months of sorting the logistics out, the bike safely arrived in Nairobi last week, where it could now feature in international competition.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

They spent several sleepless nights making the copies, sorting the papers into boxes, and stashing them with friends all over Boston.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

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