shear

C1 · Advanced Technology Technical

v. to break or snap because of a strong force pushing from the side.

v. to break or become displaced due to a force that causes layers or parts to slide over each other in opposite directions.

“The metal bolt started to shear under the heavy weight of the machine.”

“Engineers discovered that the structural support had sheared off completely due to the unexpected lateral stress during the earthquake.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun

n. a large tool like scissors used for cutting metal, thick cloth, or garden plants.

n. a large cutting instrument resembling scissors, typically used for heavy-duty materials or gardening. Usually plural in form when referring to the tool.

“He used a pair of garden shears to trim the tall bushes.”

“The industrial workshop was equipped with heavy-duty shears capable of slicing through thick sheets of aluminium with precision.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical

n. a change in wind speed or direction over a short distance.

n. a strain produced by pressure in the structure of a substance; specifically, a variation in wind velocity occurring along a direction at right angles to the wind's direction.

“The pilot had to be careful because of the strong wind shear near the airport.”

“The aircraft encountered severe low-level wind shear, forcing the flight crew to abort the landing and climb to a safer altitude.”