spall

spall [spȯl]

(engineering)

To reduce irregular stone blocks to an approximate size by chipping with a hammer.

To break off thin chips from, and parallel to, the surface of a material, such as a metal or rock.

(geology)

A fragment removed from the surface of a rock by weathering.

A relatively thin, sharp-edged fragment produced by exfoliation.

A rock fragment produced by chipping with a hammer.

(mining engineering)

To break ore.

(ordnance)

A fragment torn from the surface of an armor plate.

---

spall

A small fragment or chip removed from the face of a stone or masonry unit by a blow or by action of the elements.