spall
[ spawl ]
/ spɔl /
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.
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Origin of spall
1750–60; origin uncertain; compare late Middle English spalle a chip
OTHER WORDS FROM spall
spall·er, nounnon·spall·ing, adjectiveWords nearby spall
spain, spake, spalato, spaldeen, spalding, spall, spallanzani, spallation, spallation product, spalpeen, spam
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for spalling
“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. Miller
British Dictionary definitions for spalling
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
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