ScienceJune 14, 2026
sedimentation
/ˌsɛdɪmɛnˈteɪʃən/
Definition
The natural or physical process by which solid particles settle out of a fluid—such as air—to the ground, effectively removing them from suspension.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'sedimentum,' meaning 'a settling,' which comes from the verb 'sedere,' meaning 'to sit.' The suffix '-ation' was added in English to denote the process of these particles settling.
In the news
In this article, sedimentation describes a potential technical failure where reflective particles sprayed into the stratosphere settle out of the atmosphere too quickly, rendering geoengineering efforts ineffective.
Scientists could dim the Sun as a quick fix for the climate crisis. Here's why it could cause global chaos
Read the full article ↗BBC Sky at Night Magazine