dross
UK: drɒs | US: drɑːs
n. 1. Waste or impure matter, especially the scum formed on the surface of molten metal.
n. 2. Something regarded as worthless or trivial.
The word "dross" originates from Old English drōs, meaning "dregs" or "scum." It is related to Old High German truosana ("dregs") and possibly shares a Proto-Germanic root with words denoting sediment or impurities. Historically, it referred specifically to the impurities skimmed off molten metal, later extending metaphorically to anything deemed worthless.
The blacksmith carefully removed the dross from the surface of the molten iron.
Modern literature often separates artistic gold from commercial dross.
His essay was full of intellectual dross, lacking original ideas.
The refinery filters out dross to ensure the purity of the final product.
She discarded the dross of outdated traditions to embrace progress.