litter
This term carries a strong negative connotation when referring to waste, evoking images of negligence and environmental decay. It describes a state of disorder where small, discarded items disrupt the cleanliness of a space.
In a biological context, the word shifts to a neutral, descriptive tone to categorize a single birth event for mammals. When used as a verb, it can describe literal trash or be used more broadly to describe any space crowded with a chaotic array of objects.
Meanings
Waste materials, such as paper or plastic, that have been left lying in an untidy way in a public place.
The park was covered in litter after the festival.
A group of young animals born to one mother at one time.
The cat had a litter of five kittens.
Examples
Some animals produce a surprisingly large litter.
Phrasal Verbs
litter up
to fill a space with rubbish or waste
The tourists littered up the hiking trail with empty snack wrappers.