varve

 
Pronunciation: /vɑːv/

noun

Geology
  • a pair of thin layers of clay and silt of contrasting colour and texture which represent the deposit of a single year (summer and winter) in a lake. Such layers can be measured to determine the chronology of glacial sediments.

Derivatives

varved

adjective

Origin:

early 20th century; from Swedish varv 'layer'