Deficit and debt difference?

Question

what is the difference between 'federal debt' and 'federal deficit'. im not an economist so have no idea, please can someone explain it to me simply.

Answer 1

Debt is accumulated value consisting of deficits (net surpluses) from different periods (also some interest rates could be involved).

For instance:

2005 Deficit=5'400

2006 Deficit=3'200

2007 Surplus=1'100

2008 Deficit=2'300

Debt=5'400+3'200-1'100+2'300 =9'800