First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
sludge
noun \ˈsləj\
: thick, soft, wet mud
: a soft, thick material that is produced in various industrial processes (such as in the treatment of sewage)
: a thick material that can form in the oil in an engine and cause engine problems
Full Definition of SLUDGE
2
: a muddy or slushy mass, deposit, or sediment: as a : precipitated solid matter produced by water and sewage treatment processes b : muddy sediment in a steam boiler c : a precipitate or settling (as a mixture of impurities and acid) from a mineral oil
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Origin of SLUDGE
Middle English slugge, perhaps alteration of slicche mud, slush; akin to Old High German slīh mire
SLUDGY Defined for Kids
sludge
noun \ˈsləj\
Definition of SLUDGE for Kids
: a soft muddy mass resulting from sewage treatment
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