Definition of Deposition in Chemistry

Glass beakers with liquid in them
David Freund/Getty Images
By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
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.
our editorial process
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
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.