Shards: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe broken pieces of glass, pottery, or other hard and brittle materials. It is often used in settings where safety or the idea of sharpness is a concern.

• Be careful, there are glass shards on the floor.
• The ancient pot broke into several shards.

Generally used to describe parts of something that has been broken, scattered, or incomplete. It is often used in both literal and figurative contexts.

• The archaeologists found fragments of ancient manuscripts.
• She could only remember fragments of her dream.

A more generic term that can refer to parts of almost any whole object that have been broken or divided. It doesn't carry the connotation of sharpness or danger like 'shards'.

• The puzzle has 1000 pieces.
• She found pieces of the broken vase on the floor.

Typically used to describe very small, sharp pieces of wood, metal, or similar materials that have been broken off from a larger piece. Often associated with something that can pierce the skin and cause pain.

• He got a splinter from the old wooden bench.
• The carpenter always wears gloves to avoid splinters.

Often used to describe sharp, broken pieces of materials like glass, pottery, or metal.

• The mirror shattered into countless shards.
• They found ancient pottery shards at the excavation site.

General term for small, broken pieces of an object; can apply to various materials such as stone, glass, metal, or even abstract things like memories.

• Fragments of the broken vase were scattered on the floor.
• She could only recall fragments of her dream.

Very general term for parts of a whole; can be used for a wide range of topics including puzzles, broken objects, or sections of art.

• He picked up the pieces of the broken lamp.
• The puzzle is missing one piece.

Thin, sharp fragments, usually of wood, that often imply something is broken or damaged with a negative connotation.

• A splinter got stuck in his finger from the wooden bench.
• The old chair broke into several splinters.

Used to refer to broken pieces of a hard material, such as glass or pottery.

• The vase fell and shattered into countless shards

Used when talking about physical harm that impairs the functionality or appearance of an object or structure.

• The heavy rain caused severe damage to the roof

Used to describe physical or mental injury or negative effects to a living being or the environment.

• Smoking can cause serious harm to your health

Used to describe the reduction in strength or effectiveness of something, whether it be a physical structure, a person, or an argument.

• Lack of exercise can weaken your muscles