noun

1. : these senses are no longer used in geology
   1. the washing of water against a shore or bank
   2. an overflowing; flood
   3. alluvium
2. Law a gradual addition to land along a river, lake, etc., as through the deposit of sedimentary material

Etymology: Fr < L alluvio, an overflowing < alluere < ad-, to + luere, var. of lavare, to lave