An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The process by which water vapor changes directly to ice without first becoming a liquid. This is how snow forms in clouds, as well as frost and hoar frost on the ground. The opposite of deposition is → sublimation.
→ condensation.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from O.Fr. deposition, from L. deposition- “putting aside, testimony, burial,” from deposit(us) “laid down,” p.p. of deponere “to put down,” from → de- +
ponere “to put, place.”

Etymology (PE): Vâneheš, from vâ-→ de- + neheš verbal noun of nehâdan “to put, place,” Mid.Pers. nihâtan, O.Pers./Av. ni- “down; into,” → ni-, + dā- “to put; to establish; to give,” dadāiti “he gives,” cf. Skt. dadâti “he gives,” Gk. didomi “I give,” L. do “I give;” PIE base *do- “to give.”