Glossary:D Words

From Indian River Lagoon Project
Glossary Page Index
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dam ( dam ) noun
a barrier constructed to hold back water and raise its level, forming a reservoir used to generate electricity or as a water supply.
decompose ( de·com·pose /ˌdēkəmˈpōz ) verb
to decay or rot; to break down or separate into smaller or simpler components.
decomposer ( de·com·pos·er /ˌdēkəmˈpōzər ) noun
an organism that feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter, thus making organic nutrients available to the ecosystem.
decomposition ( de·com·po·si·tion /dēˌkämpəˈziSH(ə)n ) noun
the process of decaying or rotting; breaking down or separating a substance into smaller or simpler components.
delta ( del·ta / ˈdeltə ) noun
a low-lying sediment deposit found at the mouth of a river.
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) conserves and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people.
desiccation ( des·ic·ca·tion /ˌdesəˈkāSHən ) noun
loss of water.
detritus ( de·tri·tus / dəˈtrīdəs ) noun
newly dead or decaying organic matter coated with bacteria.
diatom ( di·a·tom / ˈdīəˌtäm ) noun
one of most common groups of phytoplankton; single-celled organism that reproduces asexually.
dike ( dīk ) noun
an embankment for controlling or holding back the waters of the sea or a river:
  • a ditch.
  • a bank of earth formed of material being excavated.
  • a causeway.
dinoflagellates ( din·o·flag·el·late /ˌdīnōˈflajəlit,-ˌlāt ) noun
common type of phytoplankton, most abundant in fall; responsible for “red tides” as well as bioluminescence.
diverse ( di·verse / dəˈvərs,dīˈvərs ) adjective
of different kinds, types, or species.
Shallow, covered, excavation made in unsaturated soil into which pretreated wastewater is discharged through distribution piping for application onto soil infiltration surfaces through porous media or manufactured (gravelless) components placed in the excavations. The soil accepts, treats, and disperses wastewater as it percolates through the soil, ultimately discharging to groundwater.
drawbridge ( draw·bridge / ˈdrôˌbrij ) noun
a bridge withspans that can be raised up, let down, or drawn aside so as to permit tall watercraft to pass
dredge ( drej ) verb
an excavation or digging activity carried out at least partly underwater in shallow water areas to move bottom materials from one place to another; often used to keep waterways deep enough for boat passage.
A roughly linear, deep water area formed by a dredging operation for navigation purposes