debris
UK[ˈdeɪbriː]US[dəˈbriː]
n
scattered pieces of rubbish or remains, especially after something has been destroyed.
n
loose natural material, especially broken rock, that accumulates at the base of a cliff, slope, or glacier.
Etymology
the word 'debris' entered english in the early 18th century, borrowed directly from the french word 'débris', meaning 'remains, fragments'. the french term itself derives from the old french verb 'debrisier', meaning 'to break down, to crush', which is formed from 'de-' (completely) and 'brisier' (to break). 'Brisier' ultimately traces back to a hypothetical late latin term 'brisiare', likely of gaulish (celtic) origin, related to the idea of breaking. the semantic journey is direct: from the act of breaking something completely, to the resulting broken pieces and fragments, which is the core meaning retained in modern english.
Analysis
the word 'debris' is a simplex loanword from french. it cannot be meaningfully segmented into productive morphemes in modern english spelling.
Examples
rescue workers searched through the debris of the collapsed building.
after the landslide, the road was blocked by rocks and other debris.
the comet's tail is composed of gas and dust debris.