dregs
UK: drɛɡz | US: drɛɡz
n. 1. The remnants of a liquid left in a container, often with sediment or unwanted particles.
n. 2. (Figurative) The least valuable or desirable part of something.
The word dregs traces back to Old Norse dregg, referring to the residue of fermented liquids like wine or beer. Over time, it entered Middle English as dregge, retaining its literal meaning of leftover sediment. By the 14th century, it gained figurative use to describe the "worthless remnants" of anything. The plural form dregs became standard, emphasizing the collective nature of residue.
He poured the coffee, leaving the dregs at the bottom of the cup.
The dregs of society often face systemic neglect.
After the party, only the dregs of the wine remained in the bottles.
She refused to drink the tea dregs, finding them bitter.
The project was abandoned, leaving only the dregs of unfinished ideas.