Meaning & Definition of word "Debris"

Debris

/dəˈbriː/

noun:

  • 1. The scattered pieces of waste or remains.
    • Example: After the storm passed, there was debris strewn across the streets.
  • 2. Rubble or wreckage resulting from destruction.
    • Example: Rescue teams worked tirelessly to clear the debris from the collapsed building.
  • 3. Fragments or remnants of something broken or destroyed.
    • Example: The archaeologists discovered ancient debris at the site of the ruins.
  • 4. Space junk or fragments orbiting the Earth.
    • Example: 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 of debris

Meaning: Mess or chaos.

Example Sentence: The party left the place in complete debris!

Meaning: Trash or litter.

Example Sentence: Don't leave your debris lying around the park.