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Shavings Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shavings

[ˈʃeɪvɪŋz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

woodworking

Thin slices or pieces of wood that have been shaved off a larger piece, typically used for decorative purposes or as a byproduct of woodworking.

Synonyms

wood chips, wood curls, wood shreds.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shavings

Used to describe thin slices or pieces of material, often wood, that are removed during the process of shaping or smoothing it. Common in woodworking and crafting contexts.

  • The floor was covered in shavings after he sanded down the chair leg
wood chips

Refers to small pieces of wood, often used for ground cover in gardens, mulch, or as a source of fuel. It implies more utility than craftsmanship.

  • We spread wood chips around the garden to keep weeds at bay
wood shreds

Implies bits of wood that are more rugged and less uniform, often resulting from more destructive or rougher processes like shredding or breaking. Can have a negative connotation.

  • The old fence was in such disrepair that it broke into wood shreds when touched
wood curls

Describes spiral-like pieces of wood, often created in carpentry or woodworking when a plane is used. These are aesthetically pleasing and often seen in traditional woodworking settings.

  • The wood curls fell gracefully onto the workbench as he planed the surface

Examples of usage

  • The carpenter collected the shavings from the table he was working on.
  • She used the shavings to create a beautiful wooden mosaic.
Context #2 | Noun

food

Thin slices or bits of a food item, such as chocolate or cheese, that are produced by shaving or grating.

Synonyms

bits, grated pieces, thin slices.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shavings

Typically used to describe very thin, curled pieces of a material, often wood or cheese, produced by shaving with a sharp tool.

  • The carpenter swept the wood shavings off the floor.
  • Add some chocolate shavings on top of the cake.
grated pieces

These are small fragments obtained by grating a material, commonly used for foods like cheese or vegetables.

  • Sprinkle the grated pieces of parmesan on your pasta.
  • The recipe calls for two cups of grated carrots.
thin slices

Refers to slender, flat pieces cut from a larger object, often used for foods like fruits, vegetables, and meats.

  • Serve the dish with thin slices of cucumber.
  • He prepared thin slices of turkey for the sandwiches.
bits

Used to refer to small pieces or fragments of something, usually suggesting a lack of order or a mixture.

  • There were bits of paper scattered all over the room.
  • She added bits of bacon to the salad.

Examples of usage

  • She sprinkled chocolate shavings on top of the cake.
  • The salad was garnished with Parmesan shavings.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art and Craft

  • Wood shavings are often used in woodworking for decorative purposes, or to create rustic pieces.
  • In sculpting, metal shavings can indicate a careful technique, showing how precisely an artist has worked on their material.

Science

  • In the field of biology, shavings from various materials are used to create controlled environments for experiments and studies.
  • Wood shavings can also be used in scientific settings to absorb moisture and maintain a stable environment for specimens.

Environmental Impact

  • Wood shavings can be recycled and used as eco-friendly mulch in gardens, helping to retain moisture and enrich soil.
  • Shavings from certain materials, when disposed of properly, contribute to reducing plastic waste by replacing single-use plastics in some applications.

Pop Culture

  • In crafting trends, DIY enthusiasts often showcase projects using shavings, such as creating unique home decorations and art pieces.
  • Movies often depict shaving as a rite of passage for young characters, symbolizing maturity and change.

Origin of 'shavings'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'shaving' is derived from the Old English word 'sceafian,' which means to scrape or remove a surface.
  • The verb form of this word dates back to the 14th century, signifying the action of scraping or cutting.

The word 'shavings' originated from the verb 'shave', which dates back to the Old English word 'scafian'. The practice of shaving wood has been a part of woodworking for centuries, with shavings being used for various purposes such as kindling, decoration, and insulation. In the context of food, the term 'shavings' gained popularity in the culinary world to describe thin slices or bits of ingredients used for garnishing or enhancing the flavor of dishes.

See also: shaver, shavers, shaving.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,024, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.