piece
• noun 1 a portion separated from or regarded distinctly from the whole. 2 an item used in constructing something or forming part of a set. 3 a musical or written work. 4 a figure or token used to make moves in a board game. 5 a coin of specified value. 6 informal, chiefly N. Amer. a firearm. • verb (piece together) assemble from individual parts. — PHRASES go to pieces become so nervous or upset that one is unable to function normally. in one piece unharmed or undamaged. (all) of a piece entirely consistent. piece by piece in slow and small stages. piece of work informal a person of a specified kind, especially an unpleasant one. say one’s piece give one’s opinion or make a prepared statement. tear (or pull) to pieces criticize harshly. — ORIGIN Old French.
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