Glossary:D Words

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.

Department of Interior(DOI)

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.

drain field noun

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.

dredged channel noun

A roughly linear, deep water area formed by a dredging operation for navigation purposes