chipped

UK: tʃɪpt | US: tʃɪpt

Definition

  1. adj. 1. having a small piece broken off the edge or surface

  2. vt. 2. past tense of "chip" (to break off small pieces)

Structure
chip <small piece>ped <past participle suffix>
Etymology

The word "chip" originates from Old English cippian (to cut), likely related to cipp (a small piece of wood). The past participle suffix "-ed" marks the completed action, forming "chipped" to describe something from which fragments have been broken. The morpheme "chip" retains its core meaning of fragmentation, while "-ed" adds grammatical context.

Examples

  1. The chipped vase was carefully glued back together.

  2. He chipped the paint while moving the furniture.

  3. Her nails were chipped from gardening.

  4. The plate looked old and chipped at the edges.

  5. They chipped away at the ice block to free the trapped seal.