debris

views updated Jun 27 2018

de·bris / dəˈbrē; ˌdā-/ • n. scattered fragments, typically of something wrecked or destroyed. ∎  loose natural material consisting esp. of broken pieces of rock: comets and debris orbiting the sun. ∎  dirt or refuse.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

Debris

views updated May 18 2018

Debris

the remains of anything broken down; ruins, etc.; the accumulation of loose material or of rock, vegetable, or animal matter.

Examples: debris of the Alps, 1802; of an army, 1708; of an Empire, 1778; of ancient rocks, 1849.

Dictionary of Collective Nouns and Group Terms

debris

views updated May 18 2018

debris XVIII. F. débris, f. débriser break down or up, f. DE- 1 + briser break.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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