dredge definition

1. Any instrument used to gather or take by dragging; as: A dragnet for taking up oysters, etc, from their beds. A dredging machine. An iron frame, with a fine net attached, used in collecting animals living at the bottom of the sea.

2. <chemical>

Very fine mineral matter held in suspension in water.

Origin: F. Drege, dreige, fish net, from a word akin to E. Draw; cf. D. Dreg, dregge, small anchor, dregnet dragnet. See Draw.

(01 Mar 1998)