spall
[ spawl ]
/ spɔl /
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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.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
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. 2023
How to use spall in a sentence
“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
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