varve

noun

: a pair of layers of alternately finer and coarser silt or clay believed to comprise an annual cycle of deposition in a body of still water
varved adjective

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Swedish varv "turn, round, layer," going back to Germanic *hwarban-, hwarb- "turn, circle," whence Old Norse hvarf "circle, ring, enclosed space," Old English hwearf "turn, exchange, crowd, embankment" — more at wharf

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of varve was in 1912

Dictionary Entries Near varve

Cite this Entry

“Varve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/varve. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

varve

noun
: a pair of layers of alternately finer and coarser silt or clay believed to be deposited annually in a body of still water

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