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 engineering, 'shear strength' is the ability of soil to resist sliding along internal surfaces.
The story behind the word. From the Old English 'sceran', meaning to cut with a sharp instrument. It's the same root that gives us 'scissors' and 'shears' (for sheep). In physics, it describes a force that 'cuts' across a material.
Word relationships
- cutting: Cutting is the act of dividing; shear is the internal stress that leads to sliding or tearing.
Commonly confused with
- sheer: Sheer means transparent or absolute; shear is a physical stress.
Collocations
- shear strength
- shear stress
- wind shear
Example sentences
- "The landslide occurred because the shear stress on the slope exceeded the soil's shear strength." Structural failure
- "The bolt snapped under the intense shear force applied by the shifting metal plates." Materials science
Memory hook
Think of 'shears' (big scissors) cutting through a layer of soil. Slide and slice.
When not to use
Don't confuse with 'sheer' (meaning thin or steep).
Fun facts
- Wind shear is a major concern for pilots because it involves a sudden change in wind direction that can 'cut' the lift from a plane's wings.
Related words
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