scrap
UK[skræp]US[skræp]
n
A small piece or amount of something, especially one that is left over after the greater part has been used.
n
Discarded metal or other material that can be reprocessed.
v
To discard or remove something as being no longer useful or wanted.
v
To engage in a minor, short-lived fight or quarrel.
Etymology
The word 'scrap' entered Middle English from the Old Norse word 'skrap', meaning 'scraps, trifles', which itself is related to 'skrapa', meaning 'to scrape'. This origin connects the concept of a small leftover piece to the physical action of scraping something off or away. The sense of 'discarded material for reprocessing' developed in the late 18th century, logically extending from the idea of leftover fragments. The verbal meaning 'to discard' and the colloquial sense of a 'minor fight' (perhaps from the idea of 'scrapping' for leftovers) emerged in the 19th century, demonstrating how a concrete term for fragments evolved into more abstract and idiomatic uses.
Analysis
The word 'scrap' is a simplex word of Old Norse origin. It does not contain separable morphemes in modern English that are meaningful in isolation for etymological analysis.
Examples
She wrote the phone number on a scrap of paper.
The old car was sold for scrap.
The government decided to scrap the outdated policy.