Geest

/ɡiːst/ noun

Definition

A geological term for sandy or gravelly material left by glaciers, often forming ridges or elevated terrain.

Etymology

From Dutch and Low German 'geest,' referring to glacial outwash deposits, adopted into English geological terminology in the 19th century.

Kelly Says

Geologists borrowed 'geest' directly from Dutch because the Netherlands is covered in them—the entire landscape of Holland is basically ancient glacial geest, so they had the most detailed vocabulary for it.

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