chip
UK: tʃɪp | US: tʃɪp
n. 1. a small piece broken off from a larger object (e.g., wood, stone)
n. 2. a thin slice of food (e.g., potato chip)
n. 3. a microelectronic circuit or component (e.g., computer chip)
vt. 1. to break or cut a small piece off something
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The word "chip" traces back to Old English cippian, meaning "to cut" or "to chop." Over time, it evolved to refer to the small fragments produced by cutting or breaking, such as wood chips. Later, it expanded to include thin slices of food (e.g., potato chips) and, in modern contexts, microelectronic components (metaphorically likened to small, intricate pieces). The core idea of "a small, detached piece" remains consistent across its meanings.
She accidentally chipped a corner of the porcelain vase.
He ate a bag of potato chips while watching the movie.
The computer's processor contains a tiny silicon chip.
Wood chips covered the floor after the carpenter finished sanding.
Be careful not to chip your teeth on hard candy.