What is the name of small wooden debris waves bring to the sea from the coast? [on hold]
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I have seen debris--not trash--that waves bring to the sea from the coast. These may include coast plants, e.g. small pieces of broken branches of trees, grass, bamboos, etc. These can travel miles away from the coast, floating on the surface. This is different from driftwood that waves bring back to the shore!
In the past, it was a sign let sailors know they were close to shore, just several miles away.
I tried to find a word that best describe this in English. Is there any word or phrase?
single-word-requests
edited Nov 27 at 21:10
Kevin
6,55232142
asked Nov 27 at 17:37
Osh
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put on hold as off-topic by MetaEd♦ Nov 27 at 23:57
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions on choosing an ideal word or phrase must include information on how it will be used in order to be answered. For help writing a good word or phrase request, see: About single word requests" – MetaEd
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
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I have seen debris--not trash--that waves bring to the sea from the coast. These may include coast plants, e.g. small pieces of broken branches of trees, grass, bamboos, etc. These can travel miles away from the coast, floating on the surface. This is different from driftwood that waves bring back to the shore!
In the past, it was a sign let sailors know they were close to shore, just several miles away.
I tried to find a word that best describe this in English. Is there any word or phrase?
single-word-requests
edited Nov 27 at 21:10
Kevin
6,55232142
asked Nov 27 at 17:37
Osh
413
New contributor
Osh is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
put on hold as off-topic by MetaEd♦ Nov 27 at 23:57
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions on choosing an ideal word or phrase must include information on how it will be used in order to be answered. For help writing a good word or phrase request, see: About single word requests" – MetaEd
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
2
I think the common term is driftwood.
– Gus
Nov 27 at 17:41
@Gus driftwood come back to the shore, because they are so big/heavy that incoming waves move them to the cost. But what I mean--to be more accurate--is very small pieces that gather around, merge together and float on the surface, when the sea is calm.
– Osh
Nov 27 at 17:45
4
There's no special word for wood that does this. In general, flotsam is a word for such material, but it's not limited to wood. Jetsam is such material that has come from ships rather than from land. The pair of them -- flotsam and jetsam -- form a fixed phrase.
– John Lawler
Nov 27 at 17:52
2
Your description is confusing. Is it what's on the beach or what's is floating around on the ocean? Is it just wood or plant material, or is it anything that floats, like styrofoam or plastic too? You may have a singular concept in mind but there may not be a word just for that. 'Flotsam and jetsam' is the fixed phrase for any random debris, wood/plastic/seaweed/a mix usually floating on the water, out at sea or in a harbor or washed up on the beach. Driftwood is wood washed up on the beach (but I suppose also out in the ocean).
– Mitch
Nov 27 at 19:53
So many of the terms involved relate to man-made waste. I think you would have to be very specific to describe what you mean. 'Natural, floating, oceanic debris' might fit.
– Nigel J
Nov 27 at 23:51
|
show 4 more comments
up vote
7
down vote
favorite
up vote
7
down vote
favorite
I have seen debris--not trash--that waves bring to the sea from the coast. These may include coast plants, e.g. small pieces of broken branches of trees, grass, bamboos, etc. These can travel miles away from the coast, floating on the surface. This is different from driftwood that waves bring back to the shore!
In the past, it was a sign let sailors know they were close to shore, just several miles away.
I tried to find a word that best describe this in English. Is there any word or phrase?
single-word-requests
edited Nov 27 at 21:10
Kevin
6,55232142
asked Nov 27 at 17:37
Osh
413
New contributor
Osh is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I have seen debris--not trash--that waves bring to the sea from the coast. These may include coast plants, e.g. small pieces of broken branches of trees, grass, bamboos, etc. These can travel miles away from the coast, floating on the surface. This is different from driftwood that waves bring back to the shore!
In the past, it was a sign let sailors know they were close to shore, just several miles away.
I tried to find a word that best describe this in English. Is there any word or phrase?
single-word-requests
single-word-requests
edited Nov 27 at 21:10
Kevin
6,55232142
asked Nov 27 at 17:37
Osh
413
New contributor
Osh is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited Nov 27 at 21:10
Kevin
6,55232142
asked Nov 27 at 17:37
Osh
413
New contributor
Osh is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited Nov 27 at 21:10
Kevin
6,55232142
edited Nov 27 at 21:10
Kevin
6,55232142
edited Nov 27 at 21:10
Kevin
6,55232142
6,55232142
asked Nov 27 at 17:37
Osh
413
New contributor
Osh is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked Nov 27 at 17:37
Osh
413
asked Nov 27 at 17:37
Osh
413
413
New contributor
Osh is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Osh is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Osh is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
put on hold as off-topic by MetaEd♦ Nov 27 at 23:57
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions on choosing an ideal word or phrase must include information on how it will be used in order to be answered. For help writing a good word or phrase request, see: About single word requests" – MetaEd
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
put on hold as off-topic by MetaEd♦ Nov 27 at 23:57
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions on choosing an ideal word or phrase must include information on how it will be used in order to be answered. For help writing a good word or phrase request, see: About single word requests" – MetaEd
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
2
I think the common term is driftwood.
– Gus
Nov 27 at 17:41
@Gus driftwood come back to the shore, because they are so big/heavy that incoming waves move them to the cost. But what I mean--to be more accurate--is very small pieces that gather around, merge together and float on the surface, when the sea is calm.
– Osh
Nov 27 at 17:45
4
There's no special word for wood that does this. In general, flotsam is a word for such material, but it's not limited to wood. Jetsam is such material that has come from ships rather than from land. The pair of them -- flotsam and jetsam -- form a fixed phrase.
– John Lawler
Nov 27 at 17:52
2
Your description is confusing. Is it what's on the beach or what's is floating around on the ocean? Is it just wood or plant material, or is it anything that floats, like styrofoam or plastic too? You may have a singular concept in mind but there may not be a word just for that. 'Flotsam and jetsam' is the fixed phrase for any random debris, wood/plastic/seaweed/a mix usually floating on the water, out at sea or in a harbor or washed up on the beach. Driftwood is wood washed up on the beach (but I suppose also out in the ocean).
– Mitch
Nov 27 at 19:53
So many of the terms involved relate to man-made waste. I think you would have to be very specific to describe what you mean. 'Natural, floating, oceanic debris' might fit.
– Nigel J
Nov 27 at 23:51
|
show 4 more comments
2
I think the common term is driftwood.
– Gus
Nov 27 at 17:41
@Gus driftwood come back to the shore, because they are so big/heavy that incoming waves move them to the cost. But what I mean--to be more accurate--is very small pieces that gather around, merge together and float on the surface, when the sea is calm.
– Osh
Nov 27 at 17:45
4
There's no special word for wood that does this. In general, flotsam is a word for such material, but it's not limited to wood. Jetsam is such material that has come from ships rather than from land. The pair of them -- flotsam and jetsam -- form a fixed phrase.
– John Lawler
Nov 27 at 17:52
2
Your description is confusing. Is it what's on the beach or what's is floating around on the ocean? Is it just wood or plant material, or is it anything that floats, like styrofoam or plastic too? You may have a singular concept in mind but there may not be a word just for that. 'Flotsam and jetsam' is the fixed phrase for any random debris, wood/plastic/seaweed/a mix usually floating on the water, out at sea or in a harbor or washed up on the beach. Driftwood is wood washed up on the beach (but I suppose also out in the ocean).
– Mitch
Nov 27 at 19:53
So many of the terms involved relate to man-made waste. I think you would have to be very specific to describe what you mean. 'Natural, floating, oceanic debris' might fit.
– Nigel J
Nov 27 at 23:51
2
2
I think the common term is driftwood.
– Gus
Nov 27 at 17:41
I think the common term is driftwood.
– Gus
Nov 27 at 17:41
@Gus driftwood come back to the shore, because they are so big/heavy that incoming waves move them to the cost. But what I mean--to be more accurate--is very small pieces that gather around, merge together and float on the surface, when the sea is calm.
– Osh
Nov 27 at 17:45
@Gus driftwood come back to the shore, because they are so big/heavy that incoming waves move them to the cost. But what I mean--to be more accurate--is very small pieces that gather around, merge together and float on the surface, when the sea is calm.
– Osh
Nov 27 at 17:45
4
4
There's no special word for wood that does this. In general, flotsam is a word for such material, but it's not limited to wood. Jetsam is such material that has come from ships rather than from land. The pair of them -- flotsam and jetsam -- form a fixed phrase.
– John Lawler
Nov 27 at 17:52
There's no special word for wood that does this. In general, flotsam is a word for such material, but it's not limited to wood. Jetsam is such material that has come from ships rather than from land. The pair of them -- flotsam and jetsam -- form a fixed phrase.
– John Lawler
Nov 27 at 17:52
2
2
Your description is confusing. Is it what's on the beach or what's is floating around on the ocean? Is it just wood or plant material, or is it anything that floats, like styrofoam or plastic too? You may have a singular concept in mind but there may not be a word just for that. 'Flotsam and jetsam' is the fixed phrase for any random debris, wood/plastic/seaweed/a mix usually floating on the water, out at sea or in a harbor or washed up on the beach. Driftwood is wood washed up on the beach (but I suppose also out in the ocean).
– Mitch
Nov 27 at 19:53
Your description is confusing. Is it what's on the beach or what's is floating around on the ocean? Is it just wood or plant material, or is it anything that floats, like styrofoam or plastic too? You may have a singular concept in mind but there may not be a word just for that. 'Flotsam and jetsam' is the fixed phrase for any random debris, wood/plastic/seaweed/a mix usually floating on the water, out at sea or in a harbor or washed up on the beach. Driftwood is wood washed up on the beach (but I suppose also out in the ocean).
– Mitch
Nov 27 at 19:53
So many of the terms involved relate to man-made waste. I think you would have to be very specific to describe what you mean. 'Natural, floating, oceanic debris' might fit.
– Nigel J
Nov 27 at 23:51
So many of the terms involved relate to man-made waste. I think you would have to be very specific to describe what you mean. 'Natural, floating, oceanic debris' might fit.
– Nigel J
Nov 27 at 23:51
|
show 4 more comments
4 Answers
4
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votes
up vote
12
down vote
Ancient floatsam modern flotsam
Flotsam is defined as debris in the water that was not deliberately thrown overboard, traditionally as a result from a shipwreck or accident. As such it belongs to the former owner who can reclaim it.
We usually combine it with jetsam which is discarded rubbish, normally thrown overboard. Which becomes the property of the finder.
Collectively they are used for floating "Marine debris" which is defined as any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes. The Government of Japan estimated that the 2011 tsunami created 5 million tons of marine debris.
When found on the beach marine debris can be called tidewrack.
So floating on the sea it is best described as simply wrack which includes marine vegetable matter such as "Bladder Wrack" seaweed.
[Interesting asides] The method by which tree seeds and live animals are carried adrift from land mass to land mass is called "Oceanic dispersal" and can include large rafts of vegetation with living materials e.g. Lemurs to Madagascar. Different to freshwater flotant marshland a floating living island is called a "floaton". A group of similar vegetation (plants or shrubs) is classified as a Free-floating Forb.
answered Nov 27 at 18:13
KJO
1,635312
Unfortunately, the word I am looking for is not flotsam. Flotsam can be seen anywhere in the sea, for example as you said from a shipwreck, not necessarily from the land.
– Osh
Nov 27 at 18:17
2
@Osh But flotsam could be seen from land. Being able to see it from land doesn't make it not flotsam anymore. I think "flotsam and jetsam" is exactly what you're looking for here.
– only_pro
Nov 27 at 18:54
@KJO I believe wrack is closer but not exactly what I am looking for. I tried to find a picture on Internet so better describe the fact, but unfortunately could not, because obviously had not the best keyword.
– Osh
Nov 27 at 19:19
Does flotsam ever occur by itself?
– Mitch
Nov 27 at 19:46
@Osh you can look it up on Google images using the word in your native language...?
– Mari-Lou A
Nov 27 at 20:20
|
show 1 more comment
up vote
7
down vote
The word you're looking for is driftwood:
Driftwood is wood that has been washed onto a shore or beach of a sea, lake, or river by the action of winds, tides or waves. It is a form of marine debris or tidewrack.
In some waterfront areas, driftwood is a major nuisance. However, the driftwood provides shelter and food for birds, fish and other aquatic species as it floats in the ocean.
Wikipedia
Driftwood is used no matter the size or even if it's just floating in the ocean and hasn't washed up yet. If you need more clarification that it's not large driftwood, you can say something like "driftwood twigs" or "driftwood pieces".
See for example these pages:
- Etsy: driftwood twigs/sticks, driftwood pieces, driftwood necklaces
- Alibaba: driftwood chips
answered Nov 27 at 17:45
Laurel
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detritus TFD
- rock in small particles or other material worn or broken away from a mass, as by the action of water or glacial ice.
- any disintegrated material; debris.
And from the OED
a. transf. and fig. Waste or disintegrated material of any kind;
debris. b. An accumulation of debris of any sort.
Flotsam, i agree is a good answer! Thus my answer as in generic detritus! I have heard seashore/beach litter also used.
From one google book: Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child
Rachel and Julia began making funny hats for each other out of
seashore detritus, such as seaweed and lobster claws.
answered Nov 27 at 20:46
lbf
16.5k21561
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Other possible words which would describe would be:
flotsam (debris after a shipwreck) or jetsam (debris thrown overboard from a ship)
answered Nov 27 at 18:10
Mark G
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3
Mark, welcome to EL&U. Understand that to be taken seriously as a contributor here you should expect to have to spell your responses correctly: it's flotsam and jetsam, not "Floatsam ... or Jetsam".
– Robusto
Nov 27 at 18:21
2
@Robusto in fairness to Mark floatsam is the archaic form of the word as I gave in my answer.
– KJO
Nov 27 at 18:59
@KJO It's still important not to capitalize words that should not be capitalized.
– only_pro
Nov 27 at 19:12
1
@KJO: Archaic forms are still considered misspellings in a modern context.
– Robusto
Nov 27 at 19:33
1
@Robusto try telling that to cerberus who uses the letters œ and æ and tchrist! :) and his NYT diaeresis
– Mari-Lou A
Nov 27 at 20:22
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4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
12
down vote
Ancient floatsam modern flotsam
Flotsam is defined as debris in the water that was not deliberately thrown overboard, traditionally as a result from a shipwreck or accident. As such it belongs to the former owner who can reclaim it.
We usually combine it with jetsam which is discarded rubbish, normally thrown overboard. Which becomes the property of the finder.
Collectively they are used for floating "Marine debris" which is defined as any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes. The Government of Japan estimated that the 2011 tsunami created 5 million tons of marine debris.
When found on the beach marine debris can be called tidewrack.
So floating on the sea it is best described as simply wrack which includes marine vegetable matter such as "Bladder Wrack" seaweed.
[Interesting asides] The method by which tree seeds and live animals are carried adrift from land mass to land mass is called "Oceanic dispersal" and can include large rafts of vegetation with living materials e.g. Lemurs to Madagascar. Different to freshwater flotant marshland a floating living island is called a "floaton". A group of similar vegetation (plants or shrubs) is classified as a Free-floating Forb.
answered Nov 27 at 18:13
KJO
1,635312
Unfortunately, the word I am looking for is not flotsam. Flotsam can be seen anywhere in the sea, for example as you said from a shipwreck, not necessarily from the land.
– Osh
Nov 27 at 18:17
2
@Osh But flotsam could be seen from land. Being able to see it from land doesn't make it not flotsam anymore. I think "flotsam and jetsam" is exactly what you're looking for here.
– only_pro
Nov 27 at 18:54
@KJO I believe wrack is closer but not exactly what I am looking for. I tried to find a picture on Internet so better describe the fact, but unfortunately could not, because obviously had not the best keyword.
– Osh
Nov 27 at 19:19
Does flotsam ever occur by itself?
– Mitch
Nov 27 at 19:46
@Osh you can look it up on Google images using the word in your native language...?
– Mari-Lou A
Nov 27 at 20:20
|
show 1 more comment
up vote
12
down vote
Ancient floatsam modern flotsam
Flotsam is defined as debris in the water that was not deliberately thrown overboard, traditionally as a result from a shipwreck or accident. As such it belongs to the former owner who can reclaim it.
We usually combine it with jetsam which is discarded rubbish, normally thrown overboard. Which becomes the property of the finder.
Collectively they are used for floating "Marine debris" which is defined as any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes. The Government of Japan estimated that the 2011 tsunami created 5 million tons of marine debris.
When found on the beach marine debris can be called tidewrack.
So floating on the sea it is best described as simply wrack which includes marine vegetable matter such as "Bladder Wrack" seaweed.
[Interesting asides] The method by which tree seeds and live animals are carried adrift from land mass to land mass is called "Oceanic dispersal" and can include large rafts of vegetation with living materials e.g. Lemurs to Madagascar. Different to freshwater flotant marshland a floating living island is called a "floaton". A group of similar vegetation (plants or shrubs) is classified as a Free-floating Forb.
answered Nov 27 at 18:13
KJO
1,635312
Unfortunately, the word I am looking for is not flotsam. Flotsam can be seen anywhere in the sea, for example as you said from a shipwreck, not necessarily from the land.
– Osh
Nov 27 at 18:17
2
@Osh But flotsam could be seen from land. Being able to see it from land doesn't make it not flotsam anymore. I think "flotsam and jetsam" is exactly what you're looking for here.
– only_pro
Nov 27 at 18:54
@KJO I believe wrack is closer but not exactly what I am looking for. I tried to find a picture on Internet so better describe the fact, but unfortunately could not, because obviously had not the best keyword.
– Osh
Nov 27 at 19:19
Does flotsam ever occur by itself?
– Mitch
Nov 27 at 19:46
@Osh you can look it up on Google images using the word in your native language...?
– Mari-Lou A
Nov 27 at 20:20
|
show 1 more comment
up vote
12
down vote
up vote
12
down vote
Ancient floatsam modern flotsam
Flotsam is defined as debris in the water that was not deliberately thrown overboard, traditionally as a result from a shipwreck or accident. As such it belongs to the former owner who can reclaim it.
We usually combine it with jetsam which is discarded rubbish, normally thrown overboard. Which becomes the property of the finder.
Collectively they are used for floating "Marine debris" which is defined as any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes. The Government of Japan estimated that the 2011 tsunami created 5 million tons of marine debris.
When found on the beach marine debris can be called tidewrack.
So floating on the sea it is best described as simply wrack which includes marine vegetable matter such as "Bladder Wrack" seaweed.
[Interesting asides] The method by which tree seeds and live animals are carried adrift from land mass to land mass is called "Oceanic dispersal" and can include large rafts of vegetation with living materials e.g. Lemurs to Madagascar. Different to freshwater flotant marshland a floating living island is called a "floaton". A group of similar vegetation (plants or shrubs) is classified as a Free-floating Forb.
answered Nov 27 at 18:13
KJO
1,635312
Ancient floatsam modern flotsam
Flotsam is defined as debris in the water that was not deliberately thrown overboard, traditionally as a result from a shipwreck or accident. As such it belongs to the former owner who can reclaim it.
We usually combine it with jetsam which is discarded rubbish, normally thrown overboard. Which becomes the property of the finder.
Collectively they are used for floating "Marine debris" which is defined as any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes. The Government of Japan estimated that the 2011 tsunami created 5 million tons of marine debris.
When found on the beach marine debris can be called tidewrack.
So floating on the sea it is best described as simply wrack which includes marine vegetable matter such as "Bladder Wrack" seaweed.
[Interesting asides] The method by which tree seeds and live animals are carried adrift from land mass to land mass is called "Oceanic dispersal" and can include large rafts of vegetation with living materials e.g. Lemurs to Madagascar. Different to freshwater flotant marshland a floating living island is called a "floaton". A group of similar vegetation (plants or shrubs) is classified as a Free-floating Forb.
answered Nov 27 at 18:13
KJO
1,635312
edited Nov 27 at 22:46
answered Nov 27 at 18:13
KJO
1,635312
answered Nov 27 at 18:13
KJO
1,635312
answered Nov 27 at 18:13
KJO
1,635312
1,635312
Unfortunately, the word I am looking for is not flotsam. Flotsam can be seen anywhere in the sea, for example as you said from a shipwreck, not necessarily from the land.
– Osh
Nov 27 at 18:17
2
@Osh But flotsam could be seen from land. Being able to see it from land doesn't make it not flotsam anymore. I think "flotsam and jetsam" is exactly what you're looking for here.
– only_pro
Nov 27 at 18:54
@KJO I believe wrack is closer but not exactly what I am looking for. I tried to find a picture on Internet so better describe the fact, but unfortunately could not, because obviously had not the best keyword.
– Osh
Nov 27 at 19:19
Does flotsam ever occur by itself?
– Mitch
Nov 27 at 19:46
@Osh you can look it up on Google images using the word in your native language...?
– Mari-Lou A
Nov 27 at 20:20
|
show 1 more comment
Unfortunately, the word I am looking for is not flotsam. Flotsam can be seen anywhere in the sea, for example as you said from a shipwreck, not necessarily from the land.
– Osh
Nov 27 at 18:17
2
@Osh But flotsam could be seen from land. Being able to see it from land doesn't make it not flotsam anymore. I think "flotsam and jetsam" is exactly what you're looking for here.
– only_pro
Nov 27 at 18:54
@KJO I believe wrack is closer but not exactly what I am looking for. I tried to find a picture on Internet so better describe the fact, but unfortunately could not, because obviously had not the best keyword.
– Osh
Nov 27 at 19:19
Does flotsam ever occur by itself?
– Mitch
Nov 27 at 19:46
@Osh you can look it up on Google images using the word in your native language...?
– Mari-Lou A
Nov 27 at 20:20
Unfortunately, the word I am looking for is not flotsam. Flotsam can be seen anywhere in the sea, for example as you said from a shipwreck, not necessarily from the land.
– Osh
Nov 27 at 18:17
Unfortunately, the word I am looking for is not flotsam. Flotsam can be seen anywhere in the sea, for example as you said from a shipwreck, not necessarily from the land.
– Osh
Nov 27 at 18:17
2
2
@Osh But flotsam could be seen from land. Being able to see it from land doesn't make it not flotsam anymore. I think "flotsam and jetsam" is exactly what you're looking for here.
– only_pro
Nov 27 at 18:54
@Osh But flotsam could be seen from land. Being able to see it from land doesn't make it not flotsam anymore. I think "flotsam and jetsam" is exactly what you're looking for here.
– only_pro
Nov 27 at 18:54
@KJO I believe wrack is closer but not exactly what I am looking for. I tried to find a picture on Internet so better describe the fact, but unfortunately could not, because obviously had not the best keyword.
– Osh
Nov 27 at 19:19
@KJO I believe wrack is closer but not exactly what I am looking for. I tried to find a picture on Internet so better describe the fact, but unfortunately could not, because obviously had not the best keyword.
– Osh
Nov 27 at 19:19
Does flotsam ever occur by itself?
– Mitch
Nov 27 at 19:46
Does flotsam ever occur by itself?
– Mitch
Nov 27 at 19:46
@Osh you can look it up on Google images using the word in your native language...?
– Mari-Lou A
Nov 27 at 20:20
@Osh you can look it up on Google images using the word in your native language...?
– Mari-Lou A
Nov 27 at 20:20
|
show 1 more comment
up vote
7
down vote
The word you're looking for is driftwood:
Driftwood is wood that has been washed onto a shore or beach of a sea, lake, or river by the action of winds, tides or waves. It is a form of marine debris or tidewrack.
In some waterfront areas, driftwood is a major nuisance. However, the driftwood provides shelter and food for birds, fish and other aquatic species as it floats in the ocean.
Wikipedia
Driftwood is used no matter the size or even if it's just floating in the ocean and hasn't washed up yet. If you need more clarification that it's not large driftwood, you can say something like "driftwood twigs" or "driftwood pieces".
See for example these pages:
- Etsy: driftwood twigs/sticks, driftwood pieces, driftwood necklaces
- Alibaba: driftwood chips
answered Nov 27 at 17:45
Laurel
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The word you're looking for is driftwood:
Driftwood is wood that has been washed onto a shore or beach of a sea, lake, or river by the action of winds, tides or waves. It is a form of marine debris or tidewrack.
In some waterfront areas, driftwood is a major nuisance. However, the driftwood provides shelter and food for birds, fish and other aquatic species as it floats in the ocean.
Wikipedia
Driftwood is used no matter the size or even if it's just floating in the ocean and hasn't washed up yet. If you need more clarification that it's not large driftwood, you can say something like "driftwood twigs" or "driftwood pieces".
See for example these pages:
- Etsy: driftwood twigs/sticks, driftwood pieces, driftwood necklaces
- Alibaba: driftwood chips
answered Nov 27 at 17:45
Laurel
29.3k654104
add a comment |
up vote
7
down vote
up vote
7
down vote
The word you're looking for is driftwood:
Driftwood is wood that has been washed onto a shore or beach of a sea, lake, or river by the action of winds, tides or waves. It is a form of marine debris or tidewrack.
In some waterfront areas, driftwood is a major nuisance. However, the driftwood provides shelter and food for birds, fish and other aquatic species as it floats in the ocean.
Wikipedia
Driftwood is used no matter the size or even if it's just floating in the ocean and hasn't washed up yet. If you need more clarification that it's not large driftwood, you can say something like "driftwood twigs" or "driftwood pieces".
See for example these pages:
- Etsy: driftwood twigs/sticks, driftwood pieces, driftwood necklaces
- Alibaba: driftwood chips
answered Nov 27 at 17:45
Laurel
29.3k654104
The word you're looking for is driftwood:
Driftwood is wood that has been washed onto a shore or beach of a sea, lake, or river by the action of winds, tides or waves. It is a form of marine debris or tidewrack.
In some waterfront areas, driftwood is a major nuisance. However, the driftwood provides shelter and food for birds, fish and other aquatic species as it floats in the ocean.
Wikipedia
Driftwood is used no matter the size or even if it's just floating in the ocean and hasn't washed up yet. If you need more clarification that it's not large driftwood, you can say something like "driftwood twigs" or "driftwood pieces".
See for example these pages:
- Etsy: driftwood twigs/sticks, driftwood pieces, driftwood necklaces
- Alibaba: driftwood chips
answered Nov 27 at 17:45
Laurel
29.3k654104
edited Nov 27 at 22:02
answered Nov 27 at 17:45
Laurel
29.3k654104
answered Nov 27 at 17:45
Laurel
29.3k654104
answered Nov 27 at 17:45
Laurel
29.3k654104
29.3k654104
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add a comment |
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detritus TFD
- rock in small particles or other material worn or broken away from a mass, as by the action of water or glacial ice.
- any disintegrated material; debris.
And from the OED
a. transf. and fig. Waste or disintegrated material of any kind;
debris. b. An accumulation of debris of any sort.
Flotsam, i agree is a good answer! Thus my answer as in generic detritus! I have heard seashore/beach litter also used.
From one google book: Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child
Rachel and Julia began making funny hats for each other out of
seashore detritus, such as seaweed and lobster claws.
answered Nov 27 at 20:46
lbf
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0
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detritus TFD
- rock in small particles or other material worn or broken away from a mass, as by the action of water or glacial ice.
- any disintegrated material; debris.
And from the OED
a. transf. and fig. Waste or disintegrated material of any kind;
debris. b. An accumulation of debris of any sort.
Flotsam, i agree is a good answer! Thus my answer as in generic detritus! I have heard seashore/beach litter also used.
From one google book: Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child
Rachel and Julia began making funny hats for each other out of
seashore detritus, such as seaweed and lobster claws.
answered Nov 27 at 20:46
lbf
16.5k21561
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
detritus TFD
- rock in small particles or other material worn or broken away from a mass, as by the action of water or glacial ice.
- any disintegrated material; debris.
And from the OED
a. transf. and fig. Waste or disintegrated material of any kind;
debris. b. An accumulation of debris of any sort.
Flotsam, i agree is a good answer! Thus my answer as in generic detritus! I have heard seashore/beach litter also used.
From one google book: Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child
Rachel and Julia began making funny hats for each other out of
seashore detritus, such as seaweed and lobster claws.
answered Nov 27 at 20:46
lbf
16.5k21561
detritus TFD
- rock in small particles or other material worn or broken away from a mass, as by the action of water or glacial ice.
- any disintegrated material; debris.
And from the OED
a. transf. and fig. Waste or disintegrated material of any kind;
debris. b. An accumulation of debris of any sort.
Flotsam, i agree is a good answer! Thus my answer as in generic detritus! I have heard seashore/beach litter also used.
From one google book: Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child
Rachel and Julia began making funny hats for each other out of
seashore detritus, such as seaweed and lobster claws.
answered Nov 27 at 20:46
lbf
16.5k21561
edited Nov 27 at 20:51
answered Nov 27 at 20:46
lbf
16.5k21561
answered Nov 27 at 20:46
lbf
16.5k21561
answered Nov 27 at 20:46
lbf
16.5k21561
16.5k21561
add a comment |
add a comment |
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-1
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Other possible words which would describe would be:
flotsam (debris after a shipwreck) or jetsam (debris thrown overboard from a ship)
answered Nov 27 at 18:10
Mark G
1253
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Mark G is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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3
Mark, welcome to EL&U. Understand that to be taken seriously as a contributor here you should expect to have to spell your responses correctly: it's flotsam and jetsam, not "Floatsam ... or Jetsam".
– Robusto
Nov 27 at 18:21
2
@Robusto in fairness to Mark floatsam is the archaic form of the word as I gave in my answer.
– KJO
Nov 27 at 18:59
@KJO It's still important not to capitalize words that should not be capitalized.
– only_pro
Nov 27 at 19:12
1
@KJO: Archaic forms are still considered misspellings in a modern context.
– Robusto
Nov 27 at 19:33
1
@Robusto try telling that to cerberus who uses the letters œ and æ and tchrist! :) and his NYT diaeresis
– Mari-Lou A
Nov 27 at 20:22
|
show 3 more comments
up vote
-1
down vote
Other possible words which would describe would be:
flotsam (debris after a shipwreck) or jetsam (debris thrown overboard from a ship)
answered Nov 27 at 18:10
Mark G
1253
New contributor
Mark G is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
3
Mark, welcome to EL&U. Understand that to be taken seriously as a contributor here you should expect to have to spell your responses correctly: it's flotsam and jetsam, not "Floatsam ... or Jetsam".
– Robusto
Nov 27 at 18:21
2
@Robusto in fairness to Mark floatsam is the archaic form of the word as I gave in my answer.
– KJO
Nov 27 at 18:59
@KJO It's still important not to capitalize words that should not be capitalized.
– only_pro
Nov 27 at 19:12
1
@KJO: Archaic forms are still considered misspellings in a modern context.
– Robusto
Nov 27 at 19:33
1
@Robusto try telling that to cerberus who uses the letters œ and æ and tchrist! :) and his NYT diaeresis
– Mari-Lou A
Nov 27 at 20:22
|
show 3 more comments
up vote
-1
down vote
up vote
-1
down vote
Other possible words which would describe would be:
flotsam (debris after a shipwreck) or jetsam (debris thrown overboard from a ship)
answered Nov 27 at 18:10
Mark G
1253
New contributor
Mark G is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Other possible words which would describe would be:
flotsam (debris after a shipwreck) or jetsam (debris thrown overboard from a ship)
answered Nov 27 at 18:10
Mark G
1253
New contributor
Mark G is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited Nov 28 at 16:54
answered Nov 27 at 18:10
Mark G
1253
New contributor
Mark G is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered Nov 27 at 18:10
Mark G
1253
answered Nov 27 at 18:10
Mark G
1253
1253
New contributor
Mark G is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Mark G is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Mark G is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
3
Mark, welcome to EL&U. Understand that to be taken seriously as a contributor here you should expect to have to spell your responses correctly: it's flotsam and jetsam, not "Floatsam ... or Jetsam".
– Robusto
Nov 27 at 18:21
2
@Robusto in fairness to Mark floatsam is the archaic form of the word as I gave in my answer.
– KJO
Nov 27 at 18:59
@KJO It's still important not to capitalize words that should not be capitalized.
– only_pro
Nov 27 at 19:12
1
@KJO: Archaic forms are still considered misspellings in a modern context.
– Robusto
Nov 27 at 19:33
1
@Robusto try telling that to cerberus who uses the letters œ and æ and tchrist! :) and his NYT diaeresis
– Mari-Lou A
Nov 27 at 20:22
|
show 3 more comments
3
Mark, welcome to EL&U. Understand that to be taken seriously as a contributor here you should expect to have to spell your responses correctly: it's flotsam and jetsam, not "Floatsam ... or Jetsam".
– Robusto
Nov 27 at 18:21
2
@Robusto in fairness to Mark floatsam is the archaic form of the word as I gave in my answer.
– KJO
Nov 27 at 18:59
@KJO It's still important not to capitalize words that should not be capitalized.
– only_pro
Nov 27 at 19:12
1
@KJO: Archaic forms are still considered misspellings in a modern context.
– Robusto
Nov 27 at 19:33
1
@Robusto try telling that to cerberus who uses the letters œ and æ and tchrist! :) and his NYT diaeresis
– Mari-Lou A
Nov 27 at 20:22
3
3
Mark, welcome to EL&U. Understand that to be taken seriously as a contributor here you should expect to have to spell your responses correctly: it's flotsam and jetsam, not "Floatsam ... or Jetsam".
– Robusto
Nov 27 at 18:21
Mark, welcome to EL&U. Understand that to be taken seriously as a contributor here you should expect to have to spell your responses correctly: it's flotsam and jetsam, not "Floatsam ... or Jetsam".
– Robusto
Nov 27 at 18:21
2
2
@Robusto in fairness to Mark floatsam is the archaic form of the word as I gave in my answer.
– KJO
Nov 27 at 18:59
@Robusto in fairness to Mark floatsam is the archaic form of the word as I gave in my answer.
– KJO
Nov 27 at 18:59
@KJO It's still important not to capitalize words that should not be capitalized.
– only_pro
Nov 27 at 19:12
@KJO It's still important not to capitalize words that should not be capitalized.
– only_pro
Nov 27 at 19:12
1
1
@KJO: Archaic forms are still considered misspellings in a modern context.
– Robusto
Nov 27 at 19:33
@KJO: Archaic forms are still considered misspellings in a modern context.
– Robusto
Nov 27 at 19:33
1
1
@Robusto try telling that to cerberus who uses the letters œ and æ and tchrist! :) and his NYT diaeresis
– Mari-Lou A
Nov 27 at 20:22
@Robusto try telling that to cerberus who uses the letters œ and æ and tchrist! :) and his NYT diaeresis
– Mari-Lou A
Nov 27 at 20:22
|
show 3 more comments
2
I think the common term is driftwood.
– Gus
Nov 27 at 17:41
@Gus driftwood come back to the shore, because they are so big/heavy that incoming waves move them to the cost. But what I mean--to be more accurate--is very small pieces that gather around, merge together and float on the surface, when the sea is calm.
– Osh
Nov 27 at 17:45
4
There's no special word for wood that does this. In general, flotsam is a word for such material, but it's not limited to wood. Jetsam is such material that has come from ships rather than from land. The pair of them -- flotsam and jetsam -- form a fixed phrase.
– John Lawler
Nov 27 at 17:52
2
Your description is confusing. Is it what's on the beach or what's is floating around on the ocean? Is it just wood or plant material, or is it anything that floats, like styrofoam or plastic too? You may have a singular concept in mind but there may not be a word just for that. 'Flotsam and jetsam' is the fixed phrase for any random debris, wood/plastic/seaweed/a mix usually floating on the water, out at sea or in a harbor or washed up on the beach. Driftwood is wood washed up on the beach (but I suppose also out in the ocean).
– Mitch
Nov 27 at 19:53
So many of the terms involved relate to man-made waste. I think you would have to be very specific to describe what you mean. 'Natural, floating, oceanic debris' might fit.
– Nigel J
Nov 27 at 23:51