Definition of Deposition in Chemistry

Glass beakers with liquid in them
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by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
Updated January 13, 2019

The settling of particles or sediment onto a surface. The particles may originate from a vapor, solution, a suspension, or a mixture.

Deposition also refers to the phase change from gas to solid.