Sapropel definition
A fine-grained sediment rich in organic matter, formed at the bottom of a body of water.
noun
Black, decaying, organic bottom deposits in some lakes, rivers, etc. that lack oxygen and are rich in hydrogen sulfide.
noun
An unconsolidated ooze consisting mainly of putrefied plant remains and found in anaerobic areas at the bottom of swamps, lakes, and shallow seas.
Other Word Forms
Noun
Singular:
sapropel
Plural:
sapropelsOrigin of sapropel
- sapro– Greek pēlos mud
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- From German Sapropel, corresponding to sapro- + Ancient Greek πηλός (pÄ“los, “mud, clay").
From Wiktionary