What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
detrital
Example
The sandstone is a detrital rock composed of sand-sized grains. [detrital: adjective]
Example
The detrital material was carried by the river and deposited downstream. [detrital: noun]
sedimentary
Example
The limestone is a sedimentary rock formed from the accumulation of shells and other organic matter. [sedimentary: adjective]
Example
The sedimentary layers reveal the history of the area's climate and environment. [sedimentary: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sedimentary is a more commonly used term than detrital in everyday language and scientific literature. This is because sedimentary rocks are more diverse and can be formed from a wider range of materials and processes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between detrital and sedimentary?
Both detrital and sedimentary are formal terms used in geology and earth science. However, sedimentary is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts, including academic writing, research, and everyday language.
