I. ˈspȯl noun
Etymology: Middle English spalle
Date: 15th century
: a small fragment or chip especially of stone
II. verb
Date: 1758
transitive verb
: to break up or reduce by or as if by chipping with a hammer
intransitive verb
1. : to break off chips, scales, or slabs : exfoliate
2. : to undergo spallation
• spall·able ˈspȯ-lə-bəl adjective