Al*lu"vi*on (&?;), n. [F. alluvion, L. alluvio, fr. alluere to wash against; ad + luere, equiv. to lavare, to wash. See Lave.] 1. Wash or flow of water against the shore or bank.

2. An overflowing; an inundation; a flood. Lyell.

3. Matter deposited by an inundation or the action of flowing water; alluvium.

The golden alluvions are there [in California and Australia] spread over a far wider space: they are found not only on the banks of rivers, and in their beds, but are scattered over the surface of vast plains.
R. Cobden.

4. (Law) An accession of land gradually washed to the shore or bank by the flowing of water. See Accretion.