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spalling

 - 3 dictionary results

spall

  [spawl] ,
Use spalling in a Sentence
–noun
1. a chip or splinter, as of stone or ore.
–verb (used with object)
2. to break into smaller pieces, as ore; split or chip.
–verb (used without object)
3. to break or split off in chips or bits.
Origin:
1750–60; orig. uncert.; cf. late ME spalle a chip

Related forms:
spaller, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To spalling
spall   (spôl)   
n.  A chip, fragment, or flake from a piece of stone or ore.
v.   spalled, spall·ing, spalls

v.   tr.
To break up into chips or fragments.
v.   intr.
To chip or crumble.

[Middle English spalle.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

spall 
"chip of stone," 1440, from M.E. verb spald "to split" (c.1400), from M.L.G. spalden, cognate with O.H.G. spaltan "to split" (see spill).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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