flakes
word · lemma: flake
Definition
Small, thin, flat pieces that have broken away from something, such as snowflakes, cereal flakes, or bits of dry skin.
Usage & Nuances
Most often used for food ('corn flakes'), snow flakes, or dry skin/hair pieces ('dandruff flakes'). Always pluralized for cereals. Can also refer to fragments of paint, soap, etc. 'Flakes' are distinct from 'crumbs' (smaller, often irregular) or 'chips' (larger or thicker).
Example Sentences
There are flakes of snow on the ground.
basic
She eats cereal with flakes for breakfast.
basic
Dandruff looks like white flakes in your hair.
basic
Small paint flakes fell to the floor while we were renovating.
natural
You can see fish food flakes floating at the top of the tank.
natural
The old poster peeled away in flakes when I tried to remove it.
natural