Detritus

/dɪˈtraɪtəs/ noun

Definition

Waste or debris, especially small fragments of rock or organic material produced by erosion or decay.

Etymology

From Latin 'detritus', past participle of 'deterere' (to wear away, to rub down). Originally a geological term, it expanded to mean any accumulated debris.

Kelly Says

Ocean detritus—a mix of dead plankton, fish scales, and broken shells—slowly rains down to create a 'marine snow' that feeds creatures in the deep sea.

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