Shredding Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shredding

[ˈʃrɛdɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

food preparation

Shredding refers to the process of tearing or cutting food into thin strips or pieces. This technique is often used in cooking to prepare ingredients that need to be cooked quickly or to enhance the texture of dishes.

Synonyms

grating, slicing, tearing.

Examples of usage

  • She is shredding carrots for the salad.
  • He shredded the chicken for the tacos.
  • Shredding the cheese makes it easier to melt.
Context #2 | Noun

document disposal

Shredding, in the context of document security, refers to the act of destroying documents by cutting them into small pieces. This method is commonly employed to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.

Synonyms

cutting, destroying, disposal.

Examples of usage

  • The company uses a shredding service for confidential papers.
  • Shredding old documents is important for maintaining privacy.
  • They invested in a shredding machine for better security.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In the 1990s, shredding became popular in music, particularly with guitarists who would perform fast, intricate solos.
  • Shredding techniques are also used in movies where characters dramatically tear up documents to hide secrets.

Health and Nutrition

  • In fitness, 'shredding' refers to a process of fat loss while maintaining muscle, often adopted by bodybuilders before competitions.
  • Shredded foods, like cabbage or cheese, increase surface area, which can enhance flavor mixing and cooking times.

Business

  • Companies often use shredding to securely destroy sensitive documents, protecting personal information and trade secrets.
  • Document shredding services have grown in popularity as a means of preventing identity theft.

Sports

  • In extreme sports, 'shredding' can refer to skilled maneuvers performed by athletes, particularly in snowboarding and skateboarding.
  • Shredding is often celebrated in sports communities as a sign of high-level performance and style.

Origin of 'shredding'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from Middle English and is derived from 'shred,' which meant a small piece cut off from something.
  • Historically, 'shred' has been used since the 14th century to describe torn bits of material.

The word 'shredding' originates from the verb 'shred', which dates back to the early 16th century, derived from the Old English word 'scræd', meaning a small piece or fragment. The term has evolved to encompass various contexts, particularly in culinary arts and document management. Initially, shredding was associated with cutting or tearing materials, but as industrial and culinary techniques advanced, it gained prominence in both food preparation and data protection. The practice of shredding documents emerged in the late 20th century as a response to increasing concerns over privacy and information security, leading to the proliferation of commercial shredding services and machines designed to securely dispose of sensitive materials.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,400, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.