spall

American  

[spawl] / spɔl /

noun

1. a chip or splinter, as of stone or ore.

---

verb (used with object)

1. to break into smaller pieces, as ore; split or chip.

verb (used without object)

1. to break or split off in chips or bits.

spall British  

/ spɔːl /

noun

1. a splinter or chip of ore, rock, or stone

---

verb

1. to split or cause to split into such fragments

Other Word Forms

• nonspalling
  adjective
• spaller
  noun

Etymology

Origin of spall

1750–60; origin uncertain; compare late Middle English spalle a chip

Example Sentences

Even if they are not breached, they can spall, and you can have concrete falling down onto the reactor vessel.

From Scientific American • Mar. 4, 2022

At least one other such white man exists—Chipper Joseph A. Barbieri of Pasadena, Cal., who can reduce stone nodules to thin blades, strike a spall from a brittle nucleus, by freehand percussion.

From Time Magazine Archive

I takes a moderate little spall to dew it in.

From Vesty of the Basins by Greene, Sarah P. McLean

"Wait a spall," he said; and ran his hand anticipatively into his pocket.

From Vesty of the Basins by Greene, Sarah P. McLean

I wish 't this critter that's visitin' up to Garrison's Neck could be got sot a spall.

From Vesty of the Basins by Greene, Sarah P. McLean