Definitions of Deposition
Legal Context
- In law, a deposition is a sworn, out-of-court testimony given by a witness as part of the pre-trial discovery process. The testimony is recorded and can be used in court under certain circumstances. Depositions are used to gather information, allow both parties to understand the evidence, and may be conducted orally or in writing. The person giving the deposition is called the "deponent," and the process is overseen by attorneys and a qualified officer to administer oaths
Scientific and Geological Context
- In geology, deposition refers to the process by which sediments, soil, and rocks are added to a landform or landmass. This occurs when wind, water, ice, or gravity lose enough energy to transport material, causing these particles to settle and accumulate in a new location
- In meteorology and physical sciences, deposition is also the phase transition where a gas turns directly into a solid without passing through the liquid state. An example is water vapor turning directly into frost. This process is the reverse of sublimation and is also called desublimation
Other Uses
- Deposition can also refer to the act of removing someone from a position of power or authority, such as the deposition of a king or leader
Summary Table
Context| Meaning| Example
---|---|---
Legal| Sworn, out-of-court testimony for discovery in lawsuits| Witness
testimony before a trial128
Geology| Process of sediments being laid down by wind, water, ice, or gravity|
Formation of river deltas37
Physical Science| Direct transition from gas to solid (phase change)| Frost
forming from water vapor5
Political| Removal from a position of power| Deposition of a dictator410
Deposition is a term with multiple meanings, most commonly referring to legal testimony, geological processes, or a scientific phase change, depending on the context.
