Shard - English Definition & Meaning

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Definition

A shard is a broken piece of a brittle substance, typically glass, ceramic, or metal. It's often characterized by sharp edges and irregular shapes. Think of a shattered mirror or a broken vase; the pieces are shards. They can be dangerous due to their sharp edges but also sometimes hold beauty, like in mosaic art. A shard is the result of a fracture or breakage, representing a small, detached fragment of something larger.

Etymology

The word 'shard' comes from the Old English word 'sceard,' meaning 'notch' or 'fragment.' It is related to the word 'shear,' implying a cutting or breaking action. The term has been used for centuries to describe broken pieces of pottery or glass. Its linguistic roots highlight the idea of division and separation.

Related Words

Examples

  • "Carefully pick up the shards of glass from the broken window."
  • "The archaeologist found shards of pottery at the ancient dig site."
  • "She cut her foot on a shard of glass at the beach."
  • "The explosion sent shards of metal flying through the air."

Anecdote / Story

Remember that episode of 'Stranger Things' where Eleven uses her powers to shatter glass? 📺 The resulting 'shards' scattered everywhere, creating a visually dramatic scene. Those broken pieces represented the destructive force she wielded. Thinking of that scene can help you remember what a shard is.

Encouragement

The word 'shard' is useful when describing damage or breakage. Start noticing shards in your environment. Adding this word to your vocabulary will sharpen your descriptive skills! 🤓

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