dregs
UK[drɛɡz]US[drɛɡz]
n
The last, worst, and most useless part of something, especially a liquid
n
The solid pieces that sink to the bottom of a liquid such as wine or coffee
Etymology
The word 'dregs' entered Middle English from Old Norse 'dregg', meaning 'sediment'. This Norse term is likely related to Old Norse 'drjúgr', meaning 'lasting, strong', which may hint at the persistent, residual nature of dregs. The core concept of 'the least desirable remains' has been remarkably stable. Over centuries, its application broadened from purely physical sediment to encompass the metaphorical residue of any substance or situation, solidifying its modern meaning as the worthless leftovers.
Analysis
The word 'dregs' is a simplex noun of Old Norse origin. It functions as a single, unanalyzable morpheme in modern English.
Examples
He drank his coffee down to the dregs.
After the party, only the dregs of society remained in the empty hall.
Filter the wine to remove the dregs.