sapropel

noun

sap·​ro·​pel

ˈsaprəˌpel

plural -s

1

: a slimy sediment of marine, estuarine, or lacustrine deposition consisting largely of organic debris derived from aquatic plants and animals

2

: kerogen

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary sapr- + -pel (from Greek pēlos clay, mud)

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