Shards (/ʃɑːrdz/) is a noun that describes fragments of broken glass, ceramics, or other brittle materials. The spelling of this word can be a bit tricky for non-native English speakers as the "sh" sound is combined with the "a" sound, represented as /ɑː/. Additionally, the ending is spelled with a letter "s" followed by a letter "h," which can be confusing. However, once understood, the spelling of shards becomes a simple component of learning the English language.
Shards, noun
1. Broken or fragmented pieces of a brittle object, typically pottery, glass, or material that may shatter or splinter when subjected to force or impact. Shards are often remnants or fragments resulting from the accidental or deliberate breaking of an object. They can vary in size, shape, and material composition and are characterized by their sharp edges or points, which pose a potential risk of injury.
2. In archaeology, shards refer to the fragments of ancient ceramics or pottery vessels found at excavation sites. These ceramic shards are invaluable resources for studying and understanding ancient cultures, as they provide insights into their artistic techniques, production methods, societal practices, and even their daily lives. Archaeologists meticulously analyze these pottery shards to reconstruct the original vessels, determine the cultural significance of the ceramic forms and decorations, and gain knowledge about trade routes, migration patterns, and intercultural exchanges.
3. In a figurative sense, shards can be used to describe any broken or shattered aspect of something larger or whole. This can pertain to concepts such as relationships, dreams, plans, or beliefs, where a traumatic event or failure causes fragmentation or disintegration. Metaphorically, shards may represent the fragments of one's identity or psyche during times of emotional or psychological turmoil, alluding to the brokenness and need for healing or recovery.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word shards originated from the Old English word sceard, which meant a fragment or broken piece. The term gradually evolved from Middle English scherd to the modern-day English word shard. Its ultimate origin can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word skardaz, meaning gap or notch.