What does FLAKE mean?

Part of Speech

Flake is a noun and a verb.

Definitions

As a noun, flake means a small, thin, flat piece that has come off a surface or been separated from something. As a verb, flake means to come off a surface or separate from something in flat, thin pieces.

Pronunciations (US, UK)

US: /fleɪk/

UK: /fleɪk/

Origin and Usage

The word flake originated from the Middle English word "flaken" which means "to peel or flake off." It has been used in English since the 14th century. The noun form of flake has been used to describe small, thin, flat pieces since the 17th century. The verb form of flake has been used to describe the act of coming off or separating from something since the 19th century.

Synonyms

As a noun, flake can be synonymous with chip, sliver, or fragment. As a verb, flake can be synonymous with peel, chip off, or come off in flakes.

Related Words

Other 5 letter words related to flake include: scale, flaky, and slake.

Example Sentences

As a noun: The paint on the old house was peeling off in flakes. He ate a flake of the croissant.

As a verb: The paint on the old house was flaking off. She flaked the pastry dough with a fork.