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flotsam

Syllabification: (flot·sam)
Pronunciation: /ˈflätsəm/

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Definition of flotsam

noun

  • the wreckage of a ship or its cargo found floating on or washed up by the sea. Compare with jetsam.
  • people or things that have been rejected and are regarded as worthless:the room was cleared of boxes and other flotsam

Phrases

flotsam and jetsam

useless or discarded objects.

Origin:

early 17th century: from Anglo-Norman French floteson, from floter 'to float'

flotsam in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of flotsam in the British & World English dictionary