noun

loess

LOH-uhs

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Loess (noun) means a loose, fine sediment made mostly of silt that has been deposited by the wind. Example: “Thick beds of loess cover much of the region's farmland.”

noun

A loose, fine sediment made mostly of silt that has been deposited by the wind.

"Thick beds of loess cover much of the region's farmland."

"Geologists studied the loess for clues about past wind patterns."

"The river cliff exposed layers of pale yellow loess."

How to use loess

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLoess is fine, silty soil that wind has blown and piled up over time.

When to use it

It is a technical geology term, rarely used outside scientific or academic writing.

Memory tip

The tricky part is the spelling, not the meaning, so it helps to just picture windblown silt.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

loess deposits layers of loess loess soil a loess plateau

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “loess” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Thick beds of _____ cover much of the region's farmland.

Etymology

Loess was borrowed from German Löss, meaning yellowish-grey soil, which itself came from an Alemannic German word meaning loose. It shares this root with the German word los and the English word lease.

Origin: German

Frequently asked questions

What is loess?

Loess is a fine, silty sediment that was carried and laid down by the wind.

Where does the word loess come from?

It was borrowed from German, from a word describing yellowish-grey soil that in turn goes back to a term meaning loose.

How is loess formed?

It builds up as windblown silt settles and accumulates over long periods of time.

What is the meaning of loess?

"loess" (noun) means a loose, fine sediment made mostly of silt that has been deposited by the wind.