Litterfall is detritus or dead organic material that has fallen to the ground. Litterfall is the combination of the words litter (a disorderly accumulation of objects) and fall (to drop or descend under the force of gravity).
Litterfall is characterized as fresh, undecomposed, and easily recognizable (by species and type) plant debris. Pine cones, leaves, needles, twigs, sticks, bark, seeds, nuts, etc. can be considered litterfall. Autumn is a season that is abundant with litterfall, though litterfall can be found throughout the year in various consistencies.
Autumnal litterfall at it’s finest!
Litterfall is such a lovely autumnal word since crunching through piles of fallen leaves is an ideal Fall activity. It’s also a word that while it adds another layer to everyday language, is quite delightfully simple in it’s usage and formation. My mind needs a minute or two to get back into the posting flow (I’m still dealing with a major loss and it’s been difficult to find my center) and thus litterfall is a gentle way to get my proverbial feet wet once more. Thank You all for your patience and here’s to a lovely Autumn (or Spring for those in the Southern Hemisphere)!
Namaste ~ Ella
*Check out the Word Nerd Index and my Word Nerd Pinterest Board for other superb words!
** If there’s a word you’d like to see added to the Word Nerd roster, please feel free to contact me or suggest it in the comments – I enjoy feedback and recommendations!
Lawhimsy 