Aggrade is a word that is not commonly used in everyday language, but it has a specific definition and meaning that is important to know. Understanding the meaning of aggrade can be helpful in various fields, including geology, hydrology, and environmental science. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and associations of aggrade, as well as its synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Aggrade is a verb that means to build up or increase the elevation of a land surface by depositing sediment or other materials. The process of aggradation occurs when sediment is transported and deposited in a river, stream, or other watercourse, causing the channel bed to rise and the water to become shallower. This can happen naturally, as a result of erosion and sedimentation, or it can be caused by human activities, such as damming or dredging.
Origin
The word aggrade comes from the Latin word “aggrado,” which means to heap up or pile up. The term was first used in the field of geology in the early 20th century to describe the process of sedimentation and channel bed elevation in rivers and streams.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, aggrade means “to build up or increase the elevation of a land surface by the deposition of sediment or alluvium.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines aggrade as “to raise the level or height of a river bed or valley floor by deposition of sediment or debris.”
Associations
Aggradation is a natural process that occurs in many rivers and streams around the world. It is an important factor in shaping the landscape and creating habitats for aquatic and terrestrial organisms. However, excessive aggradation can cause problems, such as flooding, erosion, and loss of habitat. Human activities, such as damming and dredging, can also cause aggradation and alter the natural balance of sediment transport and deposition.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of aggrade include build up, accumulate, deposit, and raise.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of aggrade include erode, degrade, lower, and excavate.
The same root words
Some words that share the same root as aggrade include aggregate, aggravate, and congregation. These words all come from the Latin word “aggrado,” which means to heap up or pile up.
Example Sentences
- The river aggraded over time, creating a new floodplain and changing the course of the stream.
- The construction of a dam upstream caused the river to aggrade, leading to increased flooding downstream.
- The sediment deposited by the glacier helped to aggrade the valley floor, creating a new habitat for plants and animals.
- The mining company was fined for aggrading the river by dumping waste material into the watercourse.