shavings

UK: ˈʃeɪvɪŋz | US: ˈʃeɪvɪŋz

Definition

  1. n. thin strips or fragments pared off from a surface, especially wood or metal, using a sharp tool.

Structure
shave <to cut thinly>ing <present participle>s <plural suffix>
Etymology

The word "shavings" originates from the verb "shave," which traces back to Old English "sceafan" (to scrape or cut off). The "-ing" suffix forms the present participle, indicating the action of shaving, while the "-s" pluralizes the result—thin fragments produced by shaving. The term vividly captures the process-to-product relationship: the act of shaving yields shavings.

Examples

  1. The carpenter swept up the wood shavings from the workshop floor.

  2. Metal shavings from the lathe were collected for recycling.

  3. She used cheese shavings to garnish the salad.

  4. The barber carefully disposed of the hair shavings.

  5. A pile of pencil shavings lay beside the sharpener.