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spall

[ spawl ]

noun

  1. a chip or splinter, as of stone or ore.


verb (used with object)

  1. to break into smaller pieces, as ore; split or chip.

verb (used without object)

  1. to break or split off in chips or bits.

spall

/ spɔːl /

noun

  1. a splinter or chip of ore, rock, or stone
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. to split or cause to split into such fragments
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Words From

  • spaller noun
  • non·spalling adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of spall1

1750–60; origin uncertain; compare late Middle English spalle a chip
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Word History and Origins

Origin of spall1

C15: of unknown origin
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Example Sentences

Even if they are not breached, they can spall, and you can have concrete falling down onto the reactor vessel.

He also found cracks and spalls throughout the structure and signs of moisture intrusion, as well as corroded rebar.

There was "abundant" cracking and spalls in the concrete columns in the parking garage, beams and walls, according to the report.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources says work on the pillboxes involved concrete spall repair and replacement of rusted steel roof supports.

“It resists the tendency to split, flake, chip or spall, even under extreme temperatures. For these reasons, it lends itself perfectly to the processes of sculptural carving,” according to the Mid-Atlantic Masonry Heat web site.

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