formal
: the pieces that are left when something breaks, falls apart, is destroyed, etc.
the detritus of ancient civilizations
As he packed, he sifted through the detritus of a failed relationship.
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“Detritus.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/detritus. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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