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

'alluvius' transformed into the Medieval Latin word 'alluvium,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alluvium.'

Initially, it meant 'a washing or flowing,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a deposit left by flowing water.'