— crumblingness , n.
/krum"beuhl/ , v. , crumbled, crumbling , n.
v.t.
1. to break into small fragments or crumbs.
v.i.
2. to fall into small pieces; break or part into small fragments.
3. to decay or disintegrate gradually: The ancient walls had crumbled.
n.
4. a crumbly or crumbled substance.
5. crumbles , bits of crisp bacon, bread, etc., added to other foods, esp. as a topping.
6. Brit. Dial. crumb; particle; fragment.
[ 1375-1425; earlier crymble, crimble; late ME kremelen, akin to crome CRUMB; see -LE ]
Syn. 1. mash, shatter. 2. disintegrate.