litter
UK[ˈlɪtə(r)]US[ˈlɪtər]
n
small pieces of rubbish such as paper, cans, and bottles, that people have left lying in a public place
n
a group of baby animals that are born to one mother at the same time
v
to leave things in a place, making it look untidy
v
(of animals) to give birth to a group of babies
Etymology
the word 'litter' entered english in the 14th century from the anglo-french 'litere', meaning 'bed' or 'portable couch'. this french term derived from medieval latin 'lectaria', itself from latin 'lectus', meaning 'bed'. the semantic journey from 'bed' to modern meanings is fascinating. initially, 'litter' referred to a bed-like vehicle for carrying people, then to straw or other bedding material for animals. from the idea of scattered bedding, it evolved to mean scattered refuse by the 18th century. the sense of a group of offspring born at one time emerged from the image of young animals nestled together in their bedding.
Analysis
the word 'litter' is a simplex word borrowed from french. it is not productively formed from smaller, meaningful morphemes in modern english.
Examples
please do not drop litter in the park; use the bins provided.
the cat gave birth to a litter of six kittens.
old newspapers and empty bottles littered the floor of the abandoned house.