shred
UK[ʃred]US[ʃred]
n
a small, narrow piece that has been torn or cut from something larger
n
a very small amount of something
v
to cut or tear something into small, thin pieces
Etymology
the word 'shred' originates from the old english 'screade', meaning a piece cut off or a fragment. it is related to the old high german 'scrōt' and the old norse 'skrjōðr', all pointing to a common germanic root meaning to cut or to prune. the core concept has consistently been that of a small piece separated from a whole by cutting or tearing. this semantic thread connects directly to its modern meanings, from a literal fragment of material to the figurative sense of a tiny amount, and its verbal use describing the action of creating such fragments.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form. it is a loanword from old english, derived from a common germanic root.
Examples
she tore the letter into shreds before throwing it away.
there isn't a shred of evidence to support his claim.
you should shred any documents containing personal information.