dross

[draws, dros]

noun

1. waste matter; refuse.

2. Metallurgy.,  a waste product taken off molten metal during smelting, essentially metallic in character.

3. British.,  coal of little value.

dross

/ drɒs /

noun

1. the scum formed, usually by oxidation, on the surfaces of molten metals

2. worthless matter; waste

Other Word Forms

• drossy adjective
• drossiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dross¹

before 1050; Middle English dros ( se ), Old English drōs; cognate with Middle Dutch droes dregs; compare Middle English drōsen, Old English drōsna; cognate with Middle High German truosen husks

Word History and Origins

Origin of dross¹

Old English drōs dregs; related to Old High German truosana