■ noun
1》 a loose granular substance, typically pale yellowish brown, resulting from the erosion of siliceous and other rocks and forming a major constituent of beaches, river beds, the seabed, and deserts.
↘( ~s ) an expanse of ~.
↘ technical sediment whose particles are larger than silt.
2》 N. Amer. informal firmness of purpose.
3》 a pale yellow-brown colour.
■ verb
1》 smooth with ~paper or a ~er.
2》 sprinkle or overlay with ~.
Phrases
drive (or run ) (something) into the ~ come (or bring something) to a halt.
the ~s ( of time ) are running out the allotted time is nearly at an end. [with ref. to the ~ of an hourglass.]
Origin
OE, of Gmc origin.