varve Hear it!

varve definition

varve (värv)

noun

an annual layer of sedimentary material deposited in lakes and fiords by glacial meltwaters, consisting of two distinct bands of sediment deposited in summer and winter

Etymology: Swed varv, a layer < varva, to turn, change < ON hverfa < IE base *kwerp-, to turn > carpus

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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