Spanish word

detrito

Pronunciation

IPA/deˈtɾito/

Meaning

  • masculine noundebris

Example

Después de limpiar el acuario retiré todo el detrito.

After cleaning the aquarium, I removed all the debris.

Illustration for detrito (debris)

More examples

¿Puedes quitar el detrito del fregadero?

Can you remove the debris from the sink?

Core concept

Accumulation of debris and small particles left after wear or erosion.

Similar words

resto: Small leftover pieces or fragments remaining after use or breakage.
residuo: Unwanted substance or waste left after a process, typically requiring disposal.
escombro: Large rubble and broken material produced by demolition or construction.
sedimento: Fine particles carried and deposited by water or wind that settle on the bottom.

Definition in Spanish

Material suelto que se acumula como residuo en fondos o superficies tras erosión o desgaste, considerado en contextos técnicos como un tipo de sedimento.

Word origin

Derived from Latin detritus (de- 'off' + terere 'to rub'), reflecting the sense of material produced by rubbing or wear and retained in Spanish as a specialized term.

Usage tips

  • Often used in contexts such as sediment studies or aquarium maintenance, while general speakers prefer restos or suciedad.

Other meanings

  • sedimentnoun
  • residuenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word