Scrap Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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scrap

[skræp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

metal

Waste material or by-products that have been discarded after the main product has been produced.

Synonyms

debris, remnants, residue.

Examples of usage

  • The scrap metal was collected and recycled.
  • She used old scraps of fabric to make a quilt.
Context #2 | Verb

remove

To discard or remove something no longer wanted or needed.

Synonyms

abandon, discard, junk.

Examples of usage

  • She decided to scrap the original plan and start over.
  • The company scrapped the outdated machinery.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In environmental science, recycling scrap materials reduces waste and conserves resources.
  • Metals like copper and aluminum have high recycling rates, turning scrap into new products efficiently.
  • The notion of 'e-waste' involves scrap electronics that can be broken down to recover precious materials.

Art and Creativity

  • Artists often use scrap materials to create unique art pieces or sculptures, showcasing the value in what is discarded.
  • Scrapbooking has become a popular hobby, encompassing creative memories using various scraps of paper, photos, and mementos.
  • Crafting with scraps encourages recycling and sustainability, inspiring new uses for old materials.

Pop Culture

  • Scraps of dialogue or scenes often make up bloopers or deleted scenes in movies, showcasing the fun in what didn't make the final cut.
  • The term is also found in various music genres, referring to leftover tracks or snippets that artists chose to share.
  • In the world of wrestling, 'scrap' can refer to a physical altercation, highlighting the fierce competition among wrestlers.

History

  • During the Industrial Revolution, scrap metal became a valuable resource as factories sought to minimize waste.
  • Historical records indicate that fire pits were often filled with scraps of wood, showing the resourcefulness of early humans in reusing materials.
  • In World War II, campaigns encouraged citizens to collect scrap for the war effort, emphasizing community involvement and resource management.

Origin of 'scrap'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'scrap' comes from the Old French word 'escrap,' meaning 'a piece of paper or cloth.'
  • It has roots in the Middle English 'scrappe,' which referred to a fragment or small piece.
  • The term evolved in the 1800s to describe leftover materials from industrial processes, especially in metalworking.

The word 'scrap' originated from Old Norse 'skrap', meaning a piece that is cut off or a scrap. The use of 'scrap' to refer to waste material or discarded items began in the 14th century.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,769 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.