Debris

/dəˈbriː/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The scattered pieces of waste or remains.
After the storm passed, there was debris strewn across the streets.
Rubble or wreckage resulting from destruction.
Rescue teams worked tirelessly to clear the debris from the collapsed building.
Fragments or remnants of something broken or destroyed.
The archaeologists discovered ancient debris at the site of the ruins.
Space junk or fragments orbiting the Earth.
NASA monitors space debris to avoid collisions with satellites.

Etymology

French, from Old French 'debriser', meaning 'to break down'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

Debris field
An area covered with fragments of wreckage.
Debris flow
A rapid flow of debris such as mud, rocks, and water.
Cosmic debris
Particles and fragments in space.

Related Words

wreckage
The remains of something that has been wrecked.
ruins
The remains of a building that has fallen into disrepair or been destroyed.
remnants
Small remaining quantity of something.

Slang Meanings

Mess or chaos.
The party left the place in complete debris!
Trash or litter.
Don't leave your debris lying around the park.