Attritus

n. [ F. détritus, fr. L. detritus, p. p. of deterere. See Detriment. ] 1. (Geol.) A mass of substances worn off from solid bodies by attrition, and reduced to small portions; as, diluvial detritus. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ For large portions, the word débris is used. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Hence: Any fragments separated from the body to which they belonged; any product of disintegration. [ 1913 Webster ]

The mass of detritus of which modern languages are composed. Farrar. [ 1913 Webster ]