The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

detritus

IPA:

Dictionary definition of detritus

Debris, waste or the remains of something that has been worn away or broken down.
"The beach was littered with detritus, including broken shells and discarded plastic waste."

Detailed meaning of detritus

It can refer to the physical remains of something, such as rocks and minerals that have been worn away by erosion, or it can refer to the remains of organic matter, such as leaves, twigs, and other plant debris. In ecology, detritus refers to the dead organic matter that is returned to the soil by decay, which is an important source of nutrients for plants and animals.

In the context of human activity, detritus can refer to the waste and debris left behind by human activity, such as trash and litter in cities or the remains of buildings and other structures after they have been demolished. In the context of biology, detritus refers to the remains of organisms such as shells, bones, or exoskeletons, and is an important part of the food chain for many animals.

The term can also be used more broadly to refer to anything that is left over or discarded after something else has been used or consumed. In this sense, it can refer to the remains of an event, a project, or a relationship, such as the detritus of a failed business venture or a broken marriage.

Example sentences containing detritus

1. The beach was littered with detritus after the storm.
2. In the forest, you can find detritus from decaying trees.
3. The river carried away the detritus from the construction site.
4. His office desk was cluttered with detritus from old projects.
5. The cleaning crew had to remove the detritus left by the party.
6. The archaeological site revealed ancient detritus from a lost civilization.

History and etymology of detritus

The noun 'detritus' has its origins in Latin, coming from the word 'dētritus,' which is the past participle of 'dēterere,' meaning 'to wear down' or 'to rub away.' The Latin term is a combination of 'dē,' indicating removal or separation, and 'terere,' meaning 'to rub' or 'to wear.' Thus, 'detritus' etymologically conveys the idea of material that has been worn away or broken down through a process of erosion, friction, or disintegration. In modern usage, it refers to debris, waste, or the remains of something that has undergone such wear and tear, emphasizing the fragmented and often discarded nature of these remnants.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun detritus:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of detritus

1. The detritus in the abandoned factory told a story of neglect.
2. The wind scattered detritus across the empty streets.
3. The detritus in the attic held memories of generations past.
4. They sifted through the detritus of the shipwreck for artifacts.
5. The detritus at the bottom of the ocean held secrets of the deep.
6. The detritus in the old barn was a treasure trove for collectors.
7. The detritus from the demolition was sorted for recycling.
8. The detritus of fallen leaves covered the forest floor.
9. Urban decay left detritus in neglected neighborhoods.
10. The detritus of leaves and twigs covered the forest floor.
11. The detritus of old newspapers and magazines was stacked in the corner.
12. The river was choked with detritus, making it difficult for boats to navigate.
13. The park was filled with the detritus of urban life, including discarded food wrappers and cigarette butts.
14. The detritus of broken glass and trash littered the alleyway.
15. The ocean floor was covered in a layer of detritus, consisting of dead plants and animals.
16. The old building was surrounded by a pile of detritus, including broken furniture and discarded appliances.
17. The ecosystem was threatened by the growing amount of detritus, affecting the health of the flora and fauna.
18. The archaeologists were carefully sifting through the detritus, searching for evidence of ancient civilizations.
19. The biologists were studying the detritus, trying to understand the role it played in the ecosystem.
20. The team was tasked with cleaning up the detritus from the construction site, removing any hazardous materials.
21. The dumpster was overflowing with the detritus of consumer culture, as people discarded their unwanted possessions.
22. The hikers were careful to avoid the detritus, as they made their way through the wilderness.
23. The engineers were developing new methods to process and recycle the detritus, reducing its impact on the environment.
24. The detritus of discarded fishing gear was a hazard to marine life.