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Flotsam: meaning, definitions and examples

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flotsam

 

[ ˈflɒtsəm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

marine debris

Flotsam refers to debris or wreckage that is found floating on the water's surface. It is often the result of a shipwreck or other maritime disaster, and can include everything from cargo to personal items.

Synonyms

debris, driftwood, wreckage

Examples of usage

  • The flotsam from the shipwreck was scattered across the beach.
  • We collected flotsam during our beach cleanup to prevent pollution.
  • Flotsam can provide important information about marine environments.
Context #2 | Noun

figurative use

In a broader, metaphorical sense, flotsam can refer to things left behind or discarded, particularly those that are seen as worthless or insignificant.

Synonyms

castoff, refuse, rubbish

Examples of usage

  • He felt like the flotsam of society, overlooked and ignored.
  • The flotsam of failed projects cluttered his desk.
  • She cleared out the flotsam from her life to focus on what truly mattered.

Translations

Translations of the word "flotsam" in other languages:

🇵🇹 destroços

🇮🇳 फ्लोटसम

🇩🇪 Flotsam

🇮🇩 sampah terapung

🇺🇦 калипса

🇵🇱 dryfujące odpady

🇯🇵 漂流物

🇫🇷 débris flottants

🇪🇸 madera a la deriva

🇹🇷 suda yüzen atık

🇰🇷 떠다니는 잔해

🇸🇦 حطام عائم

🇨🇿 trosečník

🇸🇰 plávajúce trosky

🇨🇳 漂流物

🇸🇮 plavajoči odpad

🇮🇸 flotsam

🇰🇿 жүзіп жүрген қалдықтар

🇬🇪 მოზარდი

🇦🇿 yüzen tullantılar

🇲🇽 despojos flotantes

Etymology

The word 'flotsam' originates from the Middle English term 'flotsam, flotzom,' which itself derived from the Old French word 'flotant,' meaning 'floating.' This term is connected to the verb 'floter,' referring to the act of floating. This linguistic evolution reflects the maritime context of the term, as it was historically used to describe items that drift on water. The less common counterpart, 'jetsam,' refers specifically to goods that are thrown overboard deliberately. The distinction between flotsam and jetsam became important in maritime law, especially regarding salvage rights and ownership of floating wreckage. Over time, 'flotsam' evolved in its usage to include both physical debris from water and metaphorical applications in literature and conversation.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,800 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.