Meaning of the word "the lees" in English

What does "the lees" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

the lees

US /liːz/

UK /ðə liːz/

the sediment of wine in the barrel

Example:

•

The winemaker carefully separated the wine from the lees.

•

Aging on the lees can add complexity to the wine's flavor.

Synonym:

sediment dregs grounds residue deposit

the most worthless part of something

Example:

•

After the revolution, only the lees of society remained.

•

He felt like he was living among the lees of humanity.

Synonym:

dregs scum riffraff trash rubbish