Definition

Small pieces of material that have broken off from something larger, often as a result of decay or erosion. This can include debris from natural processes or remnants of past activities.

Example

After the storm, the beach was covered in detritus, including broken shells and seaweed.

Conversation

Have you seen the detritus left behind after the festival last weekend?

Yeah, it was a mess!

It's crazy how much detritus people leave behind without thinking.

I know, right? They should really clean up after themselves.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Detritus comes from the Latin 'detritus' (meaning worn away or rubbed off), which is derived from 'detriere' (meaning to rub away). The word refers to material that has been worn down or eroded, often used in geological contexts to describe fragments of rock or organic matter.

Memory Tip

Think of something that has been 'rubbed away' or 'worn down' — that's what detritus refers to, material that has been eroded or broken into smaller pieces.

Visually Confused Words