Dustheap

/ˈdʌsthiːp/ noun

Definition

A pile or mound of dust, dirt, and refuse that accumulates from sweeping and cleaning.

Etymology

Compound of 'dust' and 'heap'. British term that emerged in the 19th century, especially common in descriptions of waste disposal before modern sanitation.

Kelly Says

Dickens and Victorian authors frequently mentioned 'dustheaps' in their novels—London literally had massive mountains of ash, cinders, and trash, and these were so valuable that people would sift through them looking for salvageable materials!

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