scraping
UK[ˈskreɪpɪŋ]US[ˈskreɪpɪŋ]
n
the act or process of removing something from a surface by moving a sharp or hard object across it.
n
a small amount or piece of something that has been removed by scraping.
n
(computing) the process of using a program to extract data from a website.
Morpheme Breakdown
scrap
ing
scrap
to rub off
ing
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'scraping' originates from the old norse verb 'skrapa', meaning to scratch or erase noisily. this term entered middle english as 'scrapen', retaining its core sense of rubbing a surface with something hard. the addition of the '-ing' suffix, a productive noun-forming element from old english, transforms the action into a noun denoting either the process itself or its material result. the modern usage extends this physical logic into the digital realm, where 'web scraping' conceptually scratches data from the surface of online code.
Analysis
Structure: scrap (to rub off) + ing (noun suffix)
scrap (from middle english 'scrapen', from old norse 'skrapa', meaning to scratch or scrape; a verb root). ing (from old english '-ung', '-ing', a suffix forming verbal nouns indicating action or result).
Examples
the scraping of ice from the windshield was a tedious morning chore.
he added the scrapings from the carrot peel to the compost bin.
the company uses automated scraping to collect pricing information from competitor sites.