varve

See also: värve

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Swedish varv (“layer”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /vɑːv/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

• (US, rhotic) IPA^(key): /vɑɹv/
• Rhymes: -ɑː(ɹ)v

Noun

varve (plural varves)

1. (geology) An annual layer of sediment or sedimentary rock.
   • 2011, Chris Stringer, The Origin of Our Species, Penguin, published 2012, page 37:

     A comparable method uses varves […] where spans of time can be measured through counting varves, and also by radiocarbon dating plant or animal residues within the varves.

Derived terms

• varved

Translations

an annual layer of sediment or sedimentary rock

• Czech: varva f
• French: varve (fr) f
• Irish: varbh m
• Swedish: varv (sv) n

See also

• rhythmite