scrap

/skræp/

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The word "scrap" can be used as both a noun and a verb, and it has several meanings. Let’s break it down in a simple way:

As a Noun:

1. A Small Piece of Something:

   • Definition: A scrap can refer to a small piece or leftover part of something that is no longer whole.
   • Example: "She wrote her notes on a scrap of paper."
   • Note: This usage often refers to something that is not very important or is leftover.

2. Worthless Material:

   • Definition: Scrap can also mean material that is considered useless and can be thrown away.
   • Example: "They collected scrap metal to recycle."
   • Note: This implies that the material can be disposed of or recycled.

3. A Fight or Struggle:

   • Definition: In a more informal context, a scrap can mean a fight or a disagreement.
   • Example: "The two boys got into a scrap over a toy."
   • Note: It suggests a physical or verbal confrontation.

As a Verb:

1. To Make into Scrap:

   • Definition: To scrap something means to dispose of it or to break it down into parts that can be reused or recycled.
   • Example: "They decided to scrap the old car and sell the usable parts."
   • Note: This is often used when talking about old machinery or vehicles.

2. To Disagree or Quarrel:

   • Definition: To scrap can also mean to have a disagreement or fight about something.
   • Example: "They often scrap over trivial issues."
   • Note: This is more about arguments than physical fights.

Advanced Usage:

• You might hear phrases like "scrap the plan," which means to abandon or discard a specific plan or idea.
• In a business context, "scrap value" refers to the estimated worth of something that can be sold for parts or recycling.

Word Variants:

• Scrappy (adjective): Describes someone who is determined and willing to fight for what they want, often in a spirited way.
  • Example: "She is a scrappy entrepreneur who never gives up."

Different Meanings:

• In some contexts, "scrap" can also refer to a small amount of something, like food scraps, which are bits left after cooking or eating.

Synonyms:

• For the noun meaning "small piece": fragment, remnant, leftover.
• For the noun meaning "fight": brawl, quarrel, tussle.
• For the verb meaning "dispose of": discard, junk, throw away.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Scrap it": An informal way of saying to abandon or cancel a plan or idea.

  • Example: "After seeing the budget, we decided to scrap it."

• "Scrap together": To gather something with difficulty, often referring to money.

Academic

Noun

1. the act of fighting; any contest or struggle
   • a fight broke out at the hockey game
   • there was fighting in the streets
   • the unhappy couple got into a terrible scrap
2. a small piece of something that is left over after the rest has been used
   • she jotted it on a scrap of paper
   • there was not a scrap left
3. worthless material that is to be disposed of
4. a small fragment of something broken off from the whole
   • a bit of rock caught him in the eye

Verb

1. make into scrap or refuse
   • scrap the old airplane and sell the parts
2. have a disagreement over something
   • We quarreled over the question as to who discovered America
   • These two fellows are always scrapping over something
3. dispose of (something useless or old)
   • trash these old chairs
   • junk an old car
   • scrap your old computer

Synonyms

• fight
• fighting
• combat
• rubbish
• trash
• bit
• chip
• flake
• fleck
• quarrel
• dispute
• argufy
• altercate
• junk