Environmental Pollution Terminology

noun A deposit of sand, mud, etc., formed by flowing water

• The alluvium in the river valley is evidence of past flooding.
• The alluvium along the riverbank makes for good fishing spots.
• I found some cool rocks in the alluvium by the creek.
• Her mind was like alluvium, constantly shifting and changing.

verb To make (something) wet and dirty by dragging it through mud, water, etc.

• The heavy rain caused her dress to draggle along the wet ground.
• She looked a mess with her draggled hair and wrinkled clothes.
• I can't believe you're wearing those draggled old sneakers to the party.
• His reputation was draggled after the scandal was exposed.

noun radioactive particles that are carried into the atmosphere after a nuclear explosion or accident

• The fallout from the economic crisis was felt across the entire industry.
• There was a lot of fallout after the big argument at the family dinner.
• I can't believe the fallout from that party last night!
• The fallout from his decision to quit his job was a loss of stability in his life.

noun the act of purifying or the state of being purified

verb to cleanse or rid of impurities

• The water treatment plant uses a series of filters to purify the water before it is safe for consumption.
• I need to purify this pond water before I can use it to water the plants.
• I'm going on a juice cleanse to purify my body and mind.
• Yoga and meditation help to purify the soul and bring inner peace.

noun a strong, unpleasant smell; an offensive odor

verb to emit a strong, unpleasant smell; to give off a foul odor

• The smell coming from the garbage bin began to stink after a few days.
• My brother's socks stink so bad, I can't stand being in the same room.
• That fish market really stinks, let's get out of here.
• The corruption in the government is starting to stink, and people are demanding change.

noun a person who is sent to live in a foreign country for an extended period of time, usually as part of their job

verb to send someone to live in a foreign country for an extended period of time, usually as part of their job

• The company offers a repat program for employees who want to return to their home country.
• I heard Sarah is a repat, she moved back to her hometown after living in the city for years.
• I'm thinking about becoming a repat and moving back to my old stomping grounds.
• After years of traveling, I feel like a repat in my own country, rediscovering all the familiar places and faces.