piece

UK: piːs | US: piːs

Definition

  1. n. a portion or part separated from a whole

  2. n. an individual item (e.g., a piece of advice)

  3. n. a work of art, music, or literature

  4. vt. to assemble or mend by adding parts

Structure

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Etymology

Derived from Old French piece ("portion, fragment"), likely from Vulgar Latin pettia, of uncertain origin but possibly Celtic or Gaulish. The word has retained its core meaning of "a part of something" since the 12th century, evolving to include abstract divisions (e.g., "piece of mind") and creative works.

Examples

  1. She cut the cake into six equal pieces.

  2. This puzzle is missing a crucial piece.

  3. His latest piece for the orchestra premiered last night.

  4. Can you piece together the broken vase?

  5. He offered a thoughtful piece of advice.