Difference between Fragment, Flake, Shard, Splinter, Chip, Sliver, Crumb, Shred, Shavings, Filings

 Fragment, Flake, Shard, Splinter, Chip, Sliver, Crumb, Shred, Shavings, Filings

These words all refer to small, broken, or fragmented pieces of a larger whole. Here's a breakdown of their nuances:

Fragment

Fragment means a small part of something that has broken off or comes from something larger.

Police found fragments of glass near the scene.

Flake

Flake means a small, very thin layer or piece of something, especially one that has broken off from something larger, like, dried onion flakes, flakes of snow or paint.

Shard

Shard means a piece of broken glass, metal, etc. 

 

Splinter

Splinter means a small thin sharp piece of wood, metal, glass, etc. has has broken off a larger piece.

• I have got a splinter in my finger.

Chip

Chip means a small piece of wood, glass, etc. that has broken or been broken off an object.

Sliver

Sliver a small or thing piece of something that is cut or broken off from a larger piece.

Crumb

Crumb means a very small piece of food, especially of bread or cake, that has fallen off a larger piece.

Shred 

Shred means a small thin piece that has been tor or cut from something.

Shaving

Shavings means thin pieces cut from a piece of wood, etc. using a sharp tool, especially a plane

Filings

Filings means small particles produced by grinding.

Difference between the words:-

Fragment implies any broken or detached piece of something larger. Its size can be large or small.

Flake implies a thin, flat piece that peels or chips off. Its size can be flat and thin; it is often light and delicate. 

Shard  implies a sharp, broken piece of a hard, brittle material. It is often dangerous to touch.

Generally, it is piece of broken stone, glass, ceramics, etc.

Splinter implies a thin, sharp fragment that breaks off lengthwise. It is narrow, pointed, often long and slender.

Sliver implies a very thin, narrow piece, often fin and delicate. Its is thin, almost needle-like.

Crumb implies a tiny, soft fragment, especially from food, like, bread, cake, cookies, and other soft materials.  

Shred implies a  thin strip or scrap torn or cut off. Its size is long and narrow, often irregular. It comes from paper, fabric, food (e.g., shredded cheese).

Shaving implies thin curls or slices removed by scraping or cutting of wood, pencil, cheese or metal. 

Filings  implies tiny particles produced by grinding. It looks grain-like, often powdery. It comes from metal or fingernails.

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