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

'alluvius' transformed into the French word 'alluvion,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alluvium' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to wash toward,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a deposit of sediment.'