spall
[ spawl ]
/ spɔl /
Save This Word!
noun
a chip or splinter, as of stone or ore.
verb (used with object)
to break into smaller pieces, as ore; split or chip.
verb (used without object)
to break or split off in chips or bits.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!
In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”
Question 1 of 7
The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
Origin of spall
1750–60; origin uncertain; compare late Middle English spalle a chip
OTHER WORDS FROM spall
spaller, nounnon·spall·ing, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for spall
“Spalling” occurs when water in the concrete boils faster than it can escape, and steam blows flakes away from the surface.
Why Can’t America’s Newest Stealth Jet Land Like It’s Supposed To?|Bill Sweetman|May 26, 2014|DAILY BEASTThe principle is the same as that which causes the “spalling” of stones in buildings during fires.
Geology|William J. MillerIn stone quarrying, jet spalling and channeling are proven techniques.
The Practical Values of Space Exploration|Committee on Science and Astronautics
British Dictionary definitions for spall
spall
/ (spɔːl) /
noun
a splinter or chip of ore, rock, or stone
verb
to split or cause to split into such fragments
Word Origin for spall
C15: of unknown origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012