Shatterings

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The act or process of breaking into many pieces, particularly under force or impact
2. the resulting fragments or broken parts that are left behind after such an event
3. a profound disruption or breakdown of something that affects its integrity or continuity

Etymology: "Shatterings" is the plural of "shattering," a noun formed from the verb "shatter" plus the suffix "-ing," which turns an action into a thing or a result. The plural form simply refers to multiple instances of that breaking. The verb "shatter" has an uncertain origin. It is generally thought to be a variant of the older English word "scatter," with the "-sh-" sound probably reflecting a blend with "splash" or "dash," so the word's sense of violent, many-piece breaking may have grown from that mix of sounds. Scholars do not agree on the exact path, so this connection should be treated as a likely explanation rather than a settled fact. The noun "shattering" came into use as a derivative of the verb, following the usual English pattern of forming nouns from verbs with "-ing." The plural "shatterings" is less common, usually appearing when several separate breaking events are being described.

Synonyms: breakages, fractures