to outwash
- verb
- /ˈaʊtˌwɔʃ/
- UK
- The retreating glacier outwashes gravel and sand, creating broad plains.
Examples
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Scientists study how meltwater outwashes materials to understand ancient glacial movements.
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The melting glacier outwashed a significant amount of gravel, reshaping the valley landscape.
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During the last ice age, rivers outwashed large amounts of sediment onto the valley floor.
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The river outwashes sediment from the glacier.
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During the summer, the glacier outwashes a lot of material.
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As the ice receded, the river outwashed sand and sediments, forming fertile plains.
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During warmer months, the glacial melt outwashes numerous materials into the surrounding areas.
Synonyms
To carry away soil or rock by moving water
To be carried by water onto the shore
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Outwash comes from out + wash, with wash meaning 'to move by water'. To outwash is for meltwater to 'wash out' and carry sand and stones away from a glacier, leaving them in new places.