First Known Use: 1802
Dictionary
detritus
noun de·tri·tus \di-ˈtrī-təs\
: the pieces that are left when something breaks, falls apart, is destroyed, etc.
plural de·tri·tus \-ˈtrī-təs, -ˈtrī-ˌtüs\
Full Definition of DETRITUS
1
: loose material (as rock fragments or organic particles) that results directly from disintegration
2
a : a product of disintegration, destruction, or wearing away : debris b : miscellaneous remnants : odds and ends <sifting through the detritus of his childhood — Michael Tomasky>
— de·tri·tal \-ˈtrī-təl\ adjective
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Origin of DETRITUS
French détritus, from Latin detritus, past participle of deterere
Other Geology Terms
Medical Dictionary
detritus
noun de·tri·tus \di-ˈtrīt-əs\
plural de·tri·tus \-ˈtrīt-əs, -ˈtrī-ˌtüs\
Medical Definition of DETRITUS
: loose material resulting from disintegration (as of tissue)
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