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Definition of detritus

detritus

/dɪˈtraɪ.təs/
de · tri · tus
Plural:detritus
•
Adjective:detrital
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detritus Lexical Profile

detritus Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Waste or debris of any kind; discarded remnants left behind after an event or activity.

Example

"Volunteers spent the morning clearing plastic bottles and other detritus from the public beach."

2

In biology and ecology, non-living particulate organic material, such as decomposing leaves, plant parts, and animal remains, that serves as a nutrient source in an ecosystem.

Example

"Earthworms and fungi play a vital role in breaking down forest floor detritus into nutrient-rich soil."

3

In geology, loose fragments, gravel, sand, or silt that have been worn away from rock masses by erosion and weathering.

Example

"Glacial meltwater carried tons of rocky detritus down into the valley basin."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for detritus

• Rhymes for detritus

• Nearby Words

detriment
detrimental
detrimentally
detritus
detroit
detroit river
detroiter

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 18th century via French from the Latin noun 'detritus' (meaning a rubbing away), derived from the verb 'deterere' ('de-' meaning away + 'terere' meaning to rub or wear down).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Detritus. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/detritus
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