flotsam

views updated Jun 11 2018

flot·sam / ˈflätsəm/ • n. the wreckage of a ship or its cargo found floating on or washed up by the sea.Compare with jetsam. ∎ fig. people or things that have been rejected and are regarded as worthless: the room was cleared of boxes and other flotsam.PHRASES: flotsam and jetsam useless or discarded objects.

flotsam

views updated Jun 08 2018

flotsam the wreckage of a ship or its cargo found floating on or washed up by the sea (as distinguished from jetsam, goods or material thrown overboard and washed ashore). Flotsam and jetsam is used generally for useless or discarded objects.

flotsam

views updated May 21 2018

flotsam floating wreckage. XVI. Early forms also flotsen, -son; — AN. floteson, f. floter FLOAT.

Flotsam

views updated Jun 08 2018

FLOTSAM

A name for the goods that float upon the sea when cast overboard for the safety of the ship or when a ship is sunk. Distinguished from jetsam (goods deliberately thrown over to lighten ship) and ligan (goods cast into the sea attached to a buoy).

Flotsam

views updated May 17 2018

Flotsam

parts of wreckage of a ship or cargo found floating on the sea, 1607; of odds and ends, 1861. See also jetsam.