dross Meaning & Definition
What Does Dross Mean?
Dross is used as a noun meaning Waste or impure matter. It is also used to mean Residue that forms as a scum on the surface of molten metal from oxidation. As a verb, it means To remove dross from.
Quick Facts About Dross
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //dɹɒs// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | slag, scoria and impurity |
| Plural | drosses |
| Verb forms | drosses, drossing, drossed |
Dross Definition (Noun)
- Waste or impure matter.
- Residue that forms as a scum on the surface of molten metal from oxidation.
- The impurities in metal.
- A waste product from working with metal.
- Worthless or trivial matter.
- Residual raw opium left in an opium pipe which can be recycled for further sale or use.
Dross as a Verb
- To remove dross from.
Noun
- Residue that forms on the surface of a metal from oxidation.
Synonyms of Dross
Dross synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Dross
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Dross in a Sentence
No example sentences are available for this entry.
Word Forms & Grammar
dross (usually uncountable, plural drosses)
dross (third-person singular simple present drosses, present participle drossing, simple past and past participle drossed)
Words That Rhyme With Dross
Origin of Dross
Origin 1: From Middle English drosse, dros, from Old English drōs, from Proto-Germanic *drōhs (“dregs, sediment”).
Origin 2: Also compare Old English drōsna, drōsne (“a ground, sediment, lees, dregs, dirt, ear wax”), from Proto-Germanic *drōhsnǭ, *drōhsnō (“dregs, sediment”), derived from *drōhs. Alternatively, this may be from *dragjō + *-snō (“yeast, sediment”; compare *dragjō (“yeast”)), as if from *drēcg + -sn.
Origin 3: Ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *dʰrā́ks (“sediment, yeast”).
Origin 4: Cognate with Scots dros, drose, drosse (“small particles, fragments, dross”), Middle Dutch droes (“dregs”), Dutch droesem (“dregs”), German Drusen (“lees, dregs”), Latin fracēs (“grounds or dregs of oil”). Related also to drast, dregs.
Pronouncing Dross
You say dross as //dɹɒs//. It has 1 syllable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dross
Is dross a noun or a verb?
Dross is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for dross?
You can replace dross with words such as slag, scoria and impurity. See the full list of dross synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of dross?
The plural of dross is drosses.
What is the past tense of dross?
The past tense of dross is drossed. The present participle is drossing.