An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Mineral or organic material which has been transported and deposited by an agent of erosion such as water, wind, and ice.

Etymology (EN): From Fr. sédiment, from L. sedimentum “a settling, sinking down,” from stem of sedere “to settle, sit”

Etymology (PE): Nehešt past stem of neheštan “to place, deposit,” from ne- “down, below,” → ni- (PIE), + heštan “to place, put” from Mid.Pers. hištan, hilidan “to let, set, leave, abandon;” Parthian Mid.Pers. hyrz; O.Pers. hard- “to send forth,” ava.hard- “to abandon;”
Av. harəz- “to discharge, send out; to filter,” hərəzaiti “releases, shoots;” cf. Skt. srj- “to let go or fly, throw, cast, emit, put forth;” Pali sajati “to let loose, send forth.”