flake

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 a small, very thin layer or piece of sth, especially one that has broken off from sth larger: flakes of snow / paint * dried onion flakes seealsoCORNFLAKES, SNOWFLAKE, SOAPFLAKES 2 (AmE, informal) a person who is strange or unusual or who forgets things easily verb 1 [V] ~ (off) to fall off in small thin pieces: You could see bare wood where the paint had flaked off. * His skin was dry and flaking. 2 to break sth, especially fish or other food into small thin pieces; to fall into small thin pieces: [VN] Flake the tuna and add to the sauce. * flaked almonds [also V] PHRASALVERBS flake out 1 (informal) to lie down or fall asleep because you are extremely tired: When I got home he'd already flaked out on the bed. 2 (AmE, informal) to begin to behave in a strange way