These words refer to a small part or piece separated from a larger whole. Fragment stresses breakage. In a literal sense, a fragment is a broken piece or shard: Archaeologists discovered fragments of a marble column; a prehistoric man imaginatively reconstructed from bone fragments . Where fragment is typically, though not always, used of a brittle substance, the other words in this set may all apply to bits and pieces of cloth or food. In a specific sense, a remnant is a piece of cloth left over, as from a bolt, after the final measured cutting: to buy carpet remnants on sale. In a general sense, it may refer to any remaining par or potion: the remnants of the unfinished meal. A scrap is a small, odd piece that has been cut, broken or torn from a larger piece: a scrap of silk. Scrap may refer to paper as well as to cloth or food; and where remnants may be saved for future use, scraps are often disposed of. Like scrap , shred may apply to a variety of substances. A shred is a long and narrow piece or strip, as one torn, cut or shaved off lengthwise: shreds of carrot in a salad; shreds of paper. Used of fabric, the plural shreds suggests a reduction to rags and tatters: In the fight, his suit was torn to shreds . Shred may also refer to a string-like piece of something, as food: shredded wheat.

All these words have extended, metaphorical uses. Fragment may designate any part incomplete in itself, existing, considered, perceived or treated apart from a larger, inclusive context. Fragments may be all that remain of the work of an ancient poet. On the other hand, a fragment of a novel may be a piece of writing going up to the point where the writer broke off, leaving the conceptual whole uncompleted. Fragment may also refer to an isolated bit or part of anything abstract or immaterial.

• Even the greatest scholar knows only a fragment of all there is to know; He overheard fragments of their conversation.

In a broad sense, remnant may mean a remaining trace or vestige of anything: remnants of early Roman settlements; a penniless aristocrat jealously guarding the remnants of past glory. It may also refer to a small remaining number of people: the last tattered remnants of the defeated regiment. Scrap and shred may apply to any particle, or to the smallest amount: our last shred of hope; not a scrap of proof. In a special sense, the word iota (the name for "i," the smallest letter in the Greek alphabet) is used to indicate the smallest particle or quantity: not one iota of evidence.