swarf

[ swawrf ]

noun

1. an accumulation of fine particles of metal or abrasive cut or ground from work by a machine tool or grinder.

swarf

/ swɑːf; swɔːf /

noun

1. material removed by cutting or grinding tools in the machining of metals, stone, etc
2. radioactive metal waste from a nuclear power station
3. small fragments of disintegrating spacecraft, orbiting the earth

Word History and Origins

Origin of swarf¹

1560–70; < Old Norse svarf, akin to sverfa to file, or continuing Old English geswearf, gesweorf

Word History and Origins

Origin of swarf¹

C16: of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse svarf metallic dust

Example Sentences

I never saw him plainer in my life than I did that moment; he held up an arrow as he passed me, and I swarf'd awa' wi' fright.

From Project Gutenberg

Swarf, swrf, n. the grit from a grindstone in grinding cutlery wet.

From Project Gutenberg

I never saw him plainer in my life than I did that moment; he held up an arrow as he passed me, and I swarf'd awa wi' fright.

From Project Gutenberg