Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈɛtsəm] (IPA) 
Jetsam is a nautical term that refers to goods or cargo that are intentionally thrown overboard from a ship in order to lighten its load or avoid danger. The word is pronounced /ˈdʒɛtsəm/ and spelled with a "j" and not a "g" because it comes from the Middle English word "jetteson" which was later modified to "jetsam." The "j" sound in English is used to represent the earlier "g" sound in Middle English as the language evolved.
Jetsam refers to items or cargo that have been thrown overboard from a ship or vessel, typically during an emergency or in order to lighten the load. This deliberate act of discarding objects at sea is generally done in order to improve the ship's stability, reduce the risk of sinking, or to jettison items that are no longer useful or needed. Jetsam can include a wide range of objects such as barrels, furniture, equipment, containers, or any other items that were originally part of the ship's cargo or structure.
These discarded items become adrift in the water and may eventually wash up on shore, particularly during storms or high tides. Unlike flotsam, which refers to goods or wreckage that float or have been cast adrift, jetsam specifically refers to objects deliberately thrown overboard.
The tradition of throwing jetsam overboard dates back centuries and is rooted in maritime law. According to the law of many countries, these items are considered abandoned by the ship's owner and become the property of whoever finds them. Salvaging or collecting jetsam has historically been a way to retrieve valuable or useful items from sea wreckage or disaster.
Overall, jetsam refers to the act of discarding cargo or items at sea, as well as the items themselves. It is an established concept within maritime law and has been an integral part of maritime practices throughout history.
See under jet 1.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "jetsam" has its origins in Middle English. It is derived from the combination of two Old English words: "jett" (which means "a throwing" or "a cast") and "sam" (which means "something"). The term "jetsam" was initially used to describe objects thrown overboard from a ship intentionally, often to lighten the load or improve stability. Over time, the term evolved to specifically refer to cargo or other goods that were intentionally jettisoned at sea.
