paring

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a thin fragment or slice (especially of wood) that has been shaved from something
noun (usually plural) a part of a fruit or vegetable that is pared or cut off; especially the skin or peel
verb decrease gradually or bit by bit

He held up in triumph the wiggle of apple paring. — A Case in Camera, Oliver Onions
Still, when he had looked back from the gate, he had seen his mother kneeling among the potato parings. — The Red Badge of Courage: An Episode of the American Civil War, Stephen Crane
Maggie sat near her paring pumpkins, for a genuine New England Thanksgiving cannot be properly celebrated without pumpkin pies. — Frank's Campaign; Or, The Farm and the Camp, Horatio, Jr. Alger

sliver, shaving

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