slicing
UK[ˈslaɪsɪŋ]US[ˈslaɪsɪŋ]
n
the action of cutting something into thin, broad pieces.
n
(in sports such as golf or tennis) the action of hitting the ball so that it curves away to the side.
n
(in computing) the process of dividing a data structure, such as an array or string, into smaller parts.
Morpheme Breakdown
slice
ing
slice
to cut
ing
noun-forming suffix
Etymology
the word 'slicing' is a modern english deverbal noun, directly formed from the verb 'slice' by adding the agentive and action-denoting suffix '-ing'. the verb 'slice' itself has a journey through french, entering middle english from old french esclice, meaning a splinter or fragment, which is traced back to a germanic root meaning to split. the '-ing' suffix is one of the most productive in english, inherited from proto-germanic -ingō, -ungō, used to form nouns from verbs. thus, 'slicing' logically denotes the action or result of the specific type of cutting implied by 'slice', which involves making clean, broad, and relatively thin cuts, a sense that has extended metaphorically into sports and computing.
Analysis
Structure: slice (to cut) + ing (noun-forming suffix)
slice (from middle english slyce, old french esclice 'splinter', of germanic origin; a verb meaning to cut into broad, thin pieces). ing (from old english -ung, -ing, a suffix forming nouns from verbs, denoting an action or its result).
Examples
the chef demonstrated the proper technique for the slicing of vegetables.
his chronic slicing of the golf ball frustrated his efforts to lower his score.
data slicing is a fundamental operation in python programming.