How Do You Spell FLOTSAM?

Pronunciation: [flˈɒtsəm] (IPA)

The word "flotsam" is spelled with the letter "o" followed by the letters "ts", which give it a unique sound. The correct pronunciation is /ˈflɒtsəm/. The "o" is pronounced with a short vowel sound, similar to the "a" in "pot". The "ts" sound is a two-letter combination that represents a single consonant sound, similar to the "zz" in "buzz". "Flotsam" refers to debris or wreckage that is floating on the surface of water, often after a shipwreck.

FLOTSAM Meaning and Definition

1. Flotsam refers to the wreckage or debris of a ship or other floating objects that have been cast away or abandoned at sea. It typically consists of various materials such as wood, metal, or various items that were once on board a vessel. These materials may include broken pieces of a ship or items that were intentionally or accidentally jettisoned, lost, or discarded into the water. As a result, flotsam often drifts or floats aimlessly on the surface of the water, carried by currents or tides.

   In a more figurative sense, flotsam can also be used to describe people or things that are deemed worthless, unwanted, or discarded in society. It implies a state of being cast adrift or abandoned, similar to the nature of debris floating on the sea. This usage is often related to individuals who are marginalized, displaced, or forgotten in society, particularly in situations of poverty or social exclusion.

   Overall, flotsam refers to the remains or remnants of discarded objects floating on water, specifically in relation to wreckage or debris from a ship. It can also be used metaphorically to describe individuals or things that have been discarded or abandoned by society.

Common Misspellings for FLOTSAM

• flotsum
• dlotsam
• clotsam
• vlotsam
• glotsam
• tlotsam
• rlotsam
• fkotsam
• fpotsam
• footsam
• flitsam
• flktsam
• flotam
• flostam
• flotsomn
• flotson
• flotsun
• flotzom
• Lonsam

Etymology of FLOTSAM

The word "flotsam" originates from the Middle English term "floteson", which was derived from Old French words "floter" (to float) and "eson" (a legal term for goods or property). The Old French phrase "floteson" referred to goods that were thrown overboard from a ship and subsequently remained floating on the water's surface. Over time, the pronunciation and spelling of the word changed, and it eventually became "flotsam" in English.

Idioms with the word FLOTSAM

• flotsam and jetsam The idiom "flotsam and jetsam" refers to the scattered or miscellaneous items that are often considered worthless or of little value. It originates from maritime law, where "flotsam" refers to debris floating on the water after a shipwreck, while "jetsam" refers to items intentionally thrown overboard to lighten the ship's load. In a figurative sense, the idiom is used to describe people or things that are discarded, abandoned, or deemed as unimportant or insignificant.

Similar spelling words for FLOTSAM

• flatcar,
• flats,
• flotsam-jetsam,
• Floatsam,
• flotsom,
• Fletes,
• fluidism,
• flotsum,
• FLETC,
• flatus,
• flutist,
• Voltaism.