n. pl. col·lu·vi·ums or col·lu·vi·a (-vē-ə) A loose deposit of rock debris accumulated through the action of gravity at the base of a cliff or slope. [Latin, a collection of washings, dregs, from colluere, to wash thoroughly : com-, intensive pref.; see COM- + -luere, to wash; see leu(ə)- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] col·luvi·al adj. |
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