Pronunciation

/sheər/

Definitions

Noun

1. Shear force (noun): The stress applied parallel to the surface of a material, causing it to separate along a plane.
   • Example: “The shear force on the bridge was too great, causing it to collapse.”
2. Shearing stress (noun): The stress that acts tangentially to a surface, causing deformation.
   • Example: “Engineers must calculate the shear stress in materials to ensure structural integrity.”
3. Shear (in clothing) (noun): The act of cutting fabric diagonally to create a slimmer fit or to add visual interest.
   • Example: “The designer incorporated shear into her latest collection.”

Verb

1. To shear (verb): To cut or separate fibers, especially wool or hair, by passing through them with a tool like a sheep shearer or a pair of scissors.
   • Example: “The farmer was shearing his sheep on a hot summer day.”
2. To shear off (verb): To detach or break something by applying force parallel to its surface.
   • Example: “The tree branch sheared off during the storm.”

Adjective

1. Shearing (adjective): Relating to the action or process of shearing, especially when applied to fabrics.
   • Example: “The shearing pattern of the fabric creates a unique texture.”

Adverb

• Not commonly used as an adverb in this context.

Phrases

• “Subject to shear forces”
• “Experience shear stress”
• “Shear off a piece of metal”

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The bolt failed under the high shear force exerted by the engine.”
• Verb: “The barber skillfully sheared the customer’s hair into a stylish crop.”
• Adjective: “The shearing design of the dress made it flowy and elegant.”

Synonyms

• Trim
• Cut
• Lop
• Crop
• Separate (in the sense of fibers)