attritus

noun

at·​tri·​tus

ə‧ˈtrītəs,

a‧ˈ-,

-ītəs

plural -es

: matter pulverized or finely divided by attrition

specifically : one of the constituents of durain consisting of a macerated plant debris including leaves, bark, cuticle, spore and pollen extines, resins, and mineral matter

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, act of rubbing against, rubbing away, from attritus past participle of atterere to rub against, rub away

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above

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