Elutriation

/ˌɛluːtriˈeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The process of separating or classifying materials based on particle size or density using flowing liquid or air.

Etymology

From Latin 'elutriatio,' the noun form of 'elutriare.' This process name was formalized in chemistry and geology to describe systematic particle separation methods.

Kelly Says

Elutriation solved a huge problem in geology—scientists could finally sort ancient sediments by size without touching them, revealing the environmental conditions from millions of years ago.

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