Debris, noun: plural: debris
1. Remains or scattered pieces of broken or destroyed material, particularly resulting from an accident, natural disaster, or the decay of manmade structures.
- example 1: "After the hurricane, the streets were littered with debris, including fallen trees, shattered windows, and collapsed buildings."
- example 2: "The explosion caused debris to fly in all directions, endangering anyone nearby."
2. Any discarded or waste material that is considered useless or unwanted.
- example 1: "The construction site was piled with debris such as concrete rubble, wood scraps, and discarded metal pieces."
- example 2: "Environmentalists are concerned about the buildup of plastic debris in the oceans, which poses a significant threat to marine life."
3. In scientific contexts, fragmented or scattered matter that may hold valuable information or evidence to be examined or analyzed.
- example 1: "Paleontologists meticulously excavate fossil debris to reconstruct the lifestyles and evolution of ancient creatures."
- example 2: "Investigators carefully collect and analyze debris from a crash site to determine the cause of an airplane accident."
The term "debris" generally refers to the remnants or fragments of objects, structures, or substances that are broken, destroyed, discarded, or scattered. It encompasses various situations, ranging from the aftermath of natural disasters or accidents to waste materials and scientific samples. Whether it is the result of a destructive event or simply considered useless, debris often requires proper disposal or examination, depending on its characteristics and context.
