noun

flotsam

flotsam, wreckage, debris

Flotsam from the shipwreck washed up on the beach.

Flotsam from the shipwreck washed up on the beach.

He sifted through the flotsam of his failed business.

He sifted through the flotsam of his failed business.

((flotsam from sth.)) wreckage from sth. Flotsam from the shipwreck was found.

Synonyms: wreckage, debris, jetsam, detritus

From Anglo-Norman 'floteson', derived from the Old French 'floter' (to float). It is related to 'float'.

Remember the phrase 'flotsam and jetsam'. Flotsam is wreckage that 'floats' away accidentally, while jetsam is cargo that has been 'jettisoned' (thrown overboard) on purpose.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.