American Dictionary of the English Language

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Websters Dictionary 1828


This online edition has been carefully prepared in a special format. All words, definitions, and examples have been preserved, but the explanations of word origins have been left out to make the data easier to use in a digital format. We have also removed Webster's long technical introduction for the same reason.

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Word of the Day

Dross

DROSS, noun [G.]

1. The recrement or despumation of metals; the scum or extraneous matter of metals, thrown off in the process of melting.

2. Rust; crust of metals; an incrustation formed on metals by oxydation.

3. Waste matter; refuse; any worthless matter separated from the better part; impure matter.

The worlds glory is but dross unclean.

First Occurrence in the Bible(KJV): Psalms 119:119