dreg

[ dreg ]

noun

1. dregs, the sediment of liquids; lees; grounds.
2. Usually dregs. the least valuable part of anything:

   the dregs of society.

3. a small remnant; any small quantity.

dreg

/ drɛɡ /

noun

1. a small quantity See also dregs

   not a dreg of pity

Word History and Origins

Origin of dreg¹

1250–1300; Middle English < Old Norse dreg yeast (plural dreggjar dregs); cognate with Old Swedish dräg dregs

Word History and Origins

Origin of dreg¹

see dregs

Example Sentences

It’s funny how this moment is bringing up those little dregs of work that I still need to do in that area.

From Los Angeles Times

Models suggest that the last dregs of the magma ocean crystallized into dense minerals including ilmenite, a mineral containing titanium and iron.

From Science Daily

Contacts in the Ukrainian military arranged to have these dangerous dregs of combat made safe for artistic repurposing: materiel as material.

From Los Angeles Times

Before the judgment starts, these lives were not the “dregs of society.”

From Seattle Times

“Please investigate the tofu dregs construction project!” said one internet user who identified herself as the aunt of one of the victims.

From New York Times