solifluction

noun

so·​li·​fluc·​tion ˈsō-lə-ˌflək-shən 

: the slow creeping of saturated fragmental material (such as soil) down a slope that usually occurs in regions of perennial frost

Word History

Etymology

Latin solum soil + -i- + fluction-, fluctio act of flowing, from fluere to flow — more at fluid

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above