Fract

Part of speech: verb, noun

Definitions

1. An archaic verb meaning to break an object into pieces by force or by bending it until it snaps
2. Old-fashioned term for splitting or breaking something apart, as a rigid object is shattered by a blow
3. Obsolete word describing the act of breaking a solid thing into parts, typically through violent impact

Etymology: Fract is a bare piece of Latin: it comes from "fractus," the past participle of "frangere," meaning "to break." Its sense stays close to that original act of breaking, so the English word points straight back to the verb's core meaning. The same Latin root sits behind "fracture" and "fraction," which are more familiar. Seeing them together shows how one idea of breaking into parts spreads across different English words.