'alluvium' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'alluvius,' where 'ad-' meant 'toward' and 'luere' meant 'to wash.'

'alluvius' transformed into the English word 'alluvium,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alluvia' as its plural form.

Initially, it meant 'to wash toward,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'sediments deposited by water.'