chunk

Everyday

1. A thick, solid piece of something (a chunk of cheese). tree →
2. A large part or amount of something (a chunk of time). tree →
3. To break something into chunks or smaller parts. tree →
4. In maths, chunking is a way of dividing by taking away groups. tree →

In the lessons

In maths (UK): the «chunking» method divides by subtracting chunks of the divisor, like 10 lots of 7. In reading: break a long word or text into chunks. In everyday life: pineapple chunks, a big chunk of the money. Phrase: a good chunk of.

Examples

• He broke off a chunk of chocolate. tree →
• We spent a big chunk of the day at the beach. tree →
• Chop the carrots into chunks. tree →
• Chunk long words into syllables to read them. tree →
• Use chunking to divide 96 by 8. tree →
• A chunk of ice fell from the roof. tree →
• Slipping a long thin blade from out his belt, he cut large chunks of choice meat. tree →

Note

Chunk is bigger and rougher than a slice or bit. Adjective: chunky (thick, solid). In chunking, 96 ÷ 8: take away 10 × 8 = 80, then 2 × 8 = 16; 10 + 2 = 12.