English vocabulary · C1
Detritus
/dɪˈtraɪtəs/ · n.
It means the broken bits and waste left behind after something is damaged or destroyed.
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Example sentences
- The forest floor was covered in detritus after the storm.
- Workers cleared the detritus left by the old factory.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- de — down (from Latin)
- trit — worn away (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- DEBRIS (scattered fragments remain after destruction)
- RUBBLE (broken pieces of buildings are left)
- WASTE (unwanted material is discarded)
Words with the same root
terere — to wear away
- trite — overused and no longer interesting — worn smooth by repetition
- attrition — the gradual wearing down of strength or numbers over time
- detriment — something that causes harm — a wearing away of well-being
Lesson notes
Detritus. It means the broken bits and waste left behind after something is damaged or destroyed.
Similar words are debris, rubble, and waste. Use detritus when broken remains are left behind after damage or decay.
The forest floor was covered in detritus after the storm. Workers cleared the detritus left by the old factory.
From Latin. De means down. Trit means worn away. Things worn down and left behind — that scattered mess is detritus.