Goods which sink when cast into the sea, and remain under water; -- distinguished from flotsam, goods which float, and ligan (or lagan), goods which are sunk attached to a buoy. [1913 Webster]
The act of throwing objects from a ship to lighten the load; jettison{1}. See Jettison, 1. [1913 Webster]
Anything thrown overboard from a ship, whether floating or not. [PJC]
Objects scattered about in a disorderly manner; as, he couldn't find his sneakers among the jetsam in his room. [PJC]

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OXFORD DICTIONARY

jetsam, n. discarded material washed ashore, esp. that thrown overboard to lighten a ship etc. (cf. FLOTSAM).

Etymology

contr. of JETTISON

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THESAURUS

jetsam

castaway, castoff, derelict, discard, dogie, flotsam, flotsam and jetsam, foundling, junk, lagan, orphan, refuse, reject, rubbish, trash, waif, waifs and strays, wastrel, wreckage

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ROGET THESAURUS

jetsam

Relinquishment

N relinquishment, abandonment, desertion, defection, secession, withdrawal, cave of Adullam, nolle prosequi, discontinuance, renunciation, abrogation, resignation, desuetude, cession, unpursued, relinquished, relinquishing, Int, avast!, aufgeschoben ist nicht aufgehoben, entbehre gern was du nicht hast, relinquishment, abandonment, renunciation, expropriation, dereliction, cession, surrender, dispensation, quitclaim deed, resignation, riddance, derelict, foundling, jetsam, waif, discards, culls, rejects, garbage, refuse, rubbish, relinquished, cast off, derelict, unowned, unappropriated, unculled, left, Int, away with!.

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