How Do You Spell DROSS?

Pronunciation: [dɹˈɒs] (IPA)

The word "dross" is spelled as /drɔs/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The initial "d" sounds like a voiced dental plosive, while the "r" is an alveolar approximant. The schwa sound "ə" can be heard between the "r" and "s" sounds. The "o" in "dross" is pronounced as a rounded back vowel, whereas the "s" sounds like an unvoiced alveolar fricative. The spelling of this word is consistent with English phonetics and can be easily understood with the application of IPA.

DROSS Meaning and Definition

  1. Dross is a noun that refers to waste or impurities that collect on the surface of metal during the smelting or refining process. Specifically, it describes the unwanted residue or scum that separates from the desired or valuable substance, such as gold or silver, when it is heated or melted. Dross is typically composed of non-metallic materials, such as oxides, sulfides, or other impurities, which rise to the surface and form a layer that can be skimmed off.

    Metaphorically, dross can also represent worthless or inferior material or ideas. In this sense, it denotes anything that is considered to be of low quality, lacking value, or possessing little merit. It can describe things that are discarded or rejected due to their perceived insignificance or inferiority. For example, in literature or art, dross may refer to poorly written or uninspiring work that is considered to have little artistic or intellectual value.

    Overall, dross conveys the notion of something unwanted, discarded, or lacking in quality. Whether applied to the waste byproduct of a metallurgical process or used figuratively to describe inferior or worthless ideas or material, dross emphasizes the presence of undesirable elements or characteristics.

  2. Worthless matter separated from the better part; any waste or refuse; the scum or refuse of metals thrown off in melting; impurity.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for DROSS

Etymology of DROSS

The word "dross" is derived from Middle English "drosse", which was borrowed from Old French "dros" or "dross" meaning "dregs" or "waste material". This Old French term likely originated from the Latin word "drocia" or "drosia", which refers to the same concept. It is believed that the Latin word itself might have been borrowed from Greek "drosos", meaning "dew" or "moisture". Over time, the meaning of "dross" in English has evolved to denote impurities or waste matter that is separated from valuable substances, especially metals during the refining process.

Similar spelling words for DROSS

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