detrito

detritus; debris

noun deh-TREE-toh Rare

Origin: From Latin detritus (worn away), past participle of deterere (to wear down).

Usage Note

Detrito (also detritus in technical texts) refers to fragmented organic or inorganic matter—eroded rock particles, decomposed organic material, or waste residue. It is common in geology, ecology, and environmental science. The plural detritos is regular. In ecology, a detritívoro is an organism that feeds on detritus (a detritivore).

Examples

"El río arrastra detritos hacia el delta."

Natural Translation

The river carries detritus toward the delta.

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