Skip to content

detrito

debris

noun deh-TREE-toh Rare
Animals & Nature Environment

Origin: Latin detritus, from deterere (to wear down).

Also means

detritus

Usage Note

Detrito is typically used in singular in scientific or geological contexts (detrito organico, organic debris), but its plural i detriti is common when referring to physical rubble or fragments. In everyday speech macerie (rubble) is more common for construction debris, while detriti tends toward natural or scientific contexts.

Examples

"Il fiume trasporta detriti verso il mare."

Natural Translation

The river carries debris towards the sea.

Explore Italian by topic