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Detritus - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Detritus refers to debris or waste material, often organic, such as dead plants or animal remains. It can also describe any fragmented or discarded matter resulting from natural processes or human activity.

detritus

/dɪˈtraɪtəs/ /dɪˈtrʌɪtəs/

Definition:

Debris or waste material from disintegration, erosion, or wear.

Synonyms:

debris, rubble, remains, fragments

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

purity, cleanliness

Common Collocations:

organic detritus, marine detritus, accumulated detritus

Derivatives:

detrital, detritivorous

Usage Tips:

Use "detritus" to describe natural or man-made waste, often in ecological or geological contexts.

Common Phrases:

"detritus of life, " "detritus of civilization, " "accumulated detritus"

Etymology:

From Latin "detritus," meaning "worn away," from "deterere" (to wear down).

Examples:

  • 1. The forest floor was covered in leaf detritus after the storm.
  • 2. Marine detritus provides food for many deep-sea organisms.
  • 3. The abandoned factory was filled with industrial detritus.
  • 4. Over time, the rock eroded into fine detritus.

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