shard
Be careful with that broken glass—there are still shards in the sink.
The sharp fragments of glass could cut someone.
A small, sharp piece of broken ceramic, glass, metal, or other hard material.
The archaeologist carefully sifted through the dirt to find pottery shards.
The small broken pieces of ancient pottery were significant for research.
A shard of metal lodged in his tire, causing a flat.
A sharp piece of metal became embedded in the tire.
Often used in archaeological contexts to describe fragments of pottery or in everyday contexts for broken glass.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Distinguish shard from fragment
'Shard' usually implies sharpness and is often used for brittle materials like glass or ceramics, while 'fragment' is more general and can apply to any broken piece.
Gold Rule
Use shard for sharp, brittle materials
Reserve 'shard' for sharp pieces of broken glass, ceramic, or metal. For softer or non-sharp pieces, use 'fragment' or 'piece'.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'sharde', from Old English 'sceard' (a notch or gap), related to Old Norse 'skarth' (a notch) and Old High German 'scart' (a piece). The sense of a sharp fragment developed later.
Usage Notes
Shard typically implies a small, sharp piece broken off from a larger object. It is less commonly used for larger pieces. In figurative contexts, it can refer to a small part of something intangible, e.g., 'a shard of truth.'