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Dregs: meaning, definitions and examples

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dregs

 

[ dregs /dreɡz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

leftover wine

The dregs refer to the sediment or residue left at the bottom of a wine bottle or glass after the liquid has been poured out. It often consists of particles of grape skin, seeds, and other solids that settle over time. The dregs are usually bitter and undesirable, so they are typically discarded.

Synonyms

lees, residue, sediment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dregs

Typically used to describe the remnants or least valuable part of a liquid, often in a negative sense.

  • After finishing the coffee, only the dregs were left at the bottom of the cup.
  • He scraped through the dregs of his brain for any useful memories.
sediment

Commonly used in geological or scientific contexts to describe particles that settle at the bottom of a liquid, can also be used in other contexts like beverages.

  • Over time, sediment settled at the bottom of the lake.
  • She noticed some sediment in her glass of homemade juice.
residue

Used broadly to describe what is left after a process or event; applicable in scientific, cooking, or general contexts.

  • After the chemical reaction, a white residue remained in the flask.
  • The cleaning left a soapy residue on the surface.
lees

Mostly used in the context of winemaking to refer to the sediment consisting of dead yeast and other particles that settle at the bottom of the wine barrel.

  • The winemaker removed the lees to clarify the wine.
  • The wine had matured on its lees for several months.

Examples of usage

  • The sommelier carefully avoided pouring the dregs from the wine bottle into the guest's glass.
  • After finishing the bottle, only the dregs remained at the bottom.

Translations

Translations of the word "dregs" in other languages:

🇵🇹 resíduos

🇮🇳 तलछट

🇩🇪 Bodensatz

🇮🇩 ampas

🇺🇦 осад

🇵🇱 osad

🇯🇵 かす

🇫🇷 dépôt

🇪🇸 sedimento

🇹🇷 tortu

🇰🇷 찌꺼기

🇸🇦 رواسب

🇨🇿 sediment

🇸🇰 sediment

🇨🇳 沉渣

🇸🇮 usedlina

🇮🇸 botnfall

🇰🇿 тұнба

🇬🇪 ნალექი

🇦🇿 çöküntü

🇲🇽 sedimento

Etymology

The word 'dregs' originated from Middle English 'dregges', meaning 'sediment in a liquid'. It has been in use since the 14th century to describe the residue left at the bottom of containers, particularly in the context of wine or other liquids. Over time, 'dregs' has come to symbolize the undesirable remnants or lowest part of something.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,142, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.