1 varve | Definition of varve

varve

noun
\ ˈvärv How to pronounce varve (audio) \

Definition of varve

: 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

Other Words from varve

varved \ ˈvärvd How to pronounce varved (audio) \ adjective

First Known Use of varve

1912, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for varve

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on varve

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with varve

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about varve