particleboard
UK[ˈpɑːtɪklbɔːd]US[ˈpɑːrtɪklbɔːrd]
n
a building material made of wood chips or shavings bonded together with resin and pressed into sheets.
Morpheme Breakdown
particle
board
particle
board
Etymology
the word 'particleboard' is a modern english compound, transparently describing the material's composition. the first element, 'particle', derives from latin 'particula', meaning a small part, which perfectly describes the wood chips, flakes, or sawdust that form its primary substance. the second element, 'board', from old english 'bord', refers to a flat, manufactured sheet, indicating the product's form and function. thus, the term logically names a board-like sheet material constructed from compressed wood particles bound with adhesive.
Analysis
Structure: particle + board
particle: from latin 'particula', a diminutive of 'pars' (part). in this compound, it denotes a small, discrete piece or fragment.
board: from old english 'bord' (plank, flat surface). in this compound, it denotes a flat, rigid sheet material.
Examples
the bookshelf was made from inexpensive particleboard.
particleboard is often used as a substrate for laminate countertops.
unlike solid wood, particleboard can swell if exposed to moisture.