shear
sheer
/ʃɪər/
A strain in the structure of a substance produced by pressure, when its layers are laterally shifted in relation to each other.
In fluids, shear refers to the sliding force between adjacent layers moving at different speeds, which generates internal friction.
The story behind the word. Originating from the Old English 'sceran', meaning to cut, clip, or divide with shears. In engineering and physics, the term was adapted to describe forces that slide layers of material past one another, mimicking the cutting action of a pair of scissors.
Word relationships
- cutting: Cutting physically separates a material, whereas shear is the sliding or lateral shifting of layers relative to each other.
Commonly confused with
- tension: Tension is a pulling force stretching a material apart, whereas shear is a sliding force acting parallel to a plane.
Word family
- shearing (noun): The lateral deformation of a body by an applied force.
Collocations
- wind shear
- shear stress
- shear rate
- shear force
Example sentences
- "Wind shear can be extremely dangerous during landing, as sudden changes in wind speed and direction can destabilize the aircraft." Meteorology and aviation
- "The viscosity of a fluid determines how well it can resist shear stress when a force is applied parallel to its surface." Fluid mechanics lab
Memory hook
Think of 'shears' (scissors) cutting paper by sliding two sharp blades past each other. Shear = Scissors sliding past each other.
When not to use
Do not confuse with the adjective 'sheer' (meaning steep, thin, or pure).
Fun facts
- Cornstarch mixed with water (oobleck) is a shear-thickening fluid; if you apply a sudden shear force by hitting it, it instantly behaves like a solid.
Related words
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