What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
illuvial
Example
The illuvial layer of the soil contains a high concentration of minerals. [illuvial: adjective]
Example
The clay particles were illuviated into the subsoil layer. [illuviated: past participle]
sedimentary
Example
The Grand Canyon is a prime example of sedimentary rock formations. [sedimentary: adjective]
Example
The sedimentary layers in the rock record the history of the Earth's geological changes. [sedimentary: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sedimentary is a more commonly used term than illuvial in everyday language. Sedimentary is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while illuvial is a technical term used mainly in soil science.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between illuvial and sedimentary?
Illuvial is a technical term used mainly in scientific and academic contexts, making it more formal than sedimentary, which is a more common term used in various fields of study and everyday language.