The process that creates sedimentary rock from sediment is called lithification.

Here's a breakdown of the steps involved:

1. Weathering and Erosion: Rocks are broken down into smaller pieces (sediment) by processes like wind, water, ice, and chemical reactions.

2. Transportation: The sediment is moved by wind, water, or ice to a new location.

3. Deposition: The sediment settles out of the transporting medium, often in layers.

4. Compaction: The weight of overlying sediment presses down on the lower layers, squeezing out water and air, and compacting the sediment.

5. Cementation: Dissolved minerals in the water between the sediment particles crystallize and act as a glue, binding the sediment grains together to form solid rock.

So, lithification is the combination of compaction and cementation that transforms loose sediment into solid sedimentary rock.