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Dross Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dross

[drɒs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

waste material

Dross refers to the waste material or impurities that are obtained from metal processing or melting. It is commonly associated with the remnants that are left after the extraction of valuable metals. In a broader context, it can also imply worthless or trivial things that are considered of little value. The term is often used in discussions about metallurgy, recycling, and even in a metaphorical sense to denote things that are not worth keeping. Dross can accumulate during processes like smelting or refining.

Synonyms

refuse, remnant, slag, waste.

Examples of usage

  • The factory was covered in dross from the metal smelting.
  • They collected the dross to recycle it for other uses.
  • Much of the dross was discarded after the refining process.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Industrial Processes

  • In metallurgy, dross forms during the smelting process; it consists of impurities that float on top of molten metals.
  • The removal of dross is crucial in metal refining, ensuring higher quality and purity in the final product.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', dross is metaphorically used, contrasting valuable thoughts with worthless ones.
  • The phrase 'dross of society' has appeared in literary critiques to refer to those seen as unworthy or beneath societal standards.

Cultural References

  • Various cultures view dross not just as waste but also as a metaphor for personal growth, emphasizing the importance of shedding the unnecessary.
  • In alchemy, the separation of dross from valuable materials symbolized the quest for spiritual purity.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often use the concept of dross to discuss moral and ethical impurities that hinder personal enlightenment.
  • This term is used in discourse about the human condition, suggesting a need to discard trivialities to achieve deeper understanding.

Origin of 'dross'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English term 'drosse', which meant residue or waste material.
  • Its roots can be traced back to Old English, where it referred to the dregs or sediment found in liquids.

The term 'dross' originates from the Old English word 'dros', which signifies waste or refuse. It has parallels in other Germanic languages, including Middle Dutch 'droes' and Old Norse 'droskr', both of which convey similar meanings of something undesirable or wasteful. Over time, the usage of the word evolved, especially in the context of metalworking, where it became specifically linked to the byproducts of molten metal. In historical texts, 'dross' has come to symbolize anything that is deemed unworthy, emphasizing its association with what is discarded or rejected. The word has maintained this negative connotation in modern English, often used metaphorically to refer to anything that lacks value or is considered trivial.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,478, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.