1. derived from or originating on land, especially referring to sediments or rocks formed from weathered continental material
Usage: geological; technical

Examples

• Terrigenous sediments are commonly found near coastlines where rivers deposit eroded material.
• The geologist identified terrigenous clays in the ocean floor samples.
• Terrigenous deposits often contain quartz and feldspar from weathered granite.
• The continental shelf is rich in terrigenous sediments carried by major rivers.
• Scientists can distinguish terrigenous materials from those formed in marine environments.
• Terrigenous input affects the chemistry of coastal waters.