litter

lit•ter

[[t]ˈlɪt ər[/t]] n.

1) objects strewn or scattered about; scattered rubbish

2) a condition of disorder or untidiness:

We were appalled at the litter of the room[/ex]

3) zool. a number of young brought forth by a multiparous animal at one birth:

a litter of six kittens[/ex]

4) a framework of cloth stretched between two parallel bars, for the transportation of a sick or wounded person; stretcher

5) a vehicle carried by people or animals, consisting of a bed or couch, often covered and curtained, suspended between shafts

6) straw, hay, or the like, used as bedding for animals or as protection for plants

7) the layer of slightly decomposed organic material on the surface of the floor of the forest

8) cvb any of various absorbent materials used for lining a box in which a cat can eliminate waste

9) to strew (a place) with scattered objects, rubbish, etc

10) to scatter (objects) in disorder

11) to be strewn about (a place) in disorder (often fol. by up)

12) to cover (a floor or other area) with straw, hay, etc., for litter

13) zool. to give birth to a litter

14) to strew objects about:

a fine for littering[/ex]

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Etymology: 1250–1300; ME litere bed, litter < AF; OF litiere < ML lectāria= L lect(us) bed lit′ter•er, n.