piece
This term functions primarily as a measure word for uncountable nouns, allowing speakers to quantify substances like cake, advice, or information. It bridges the gap between a mass of material and a discrete, manageable unit, effectively transforming an abstract or continuous entity into a countable object. In artistic and intellectual spheres, the word shifts from denoting a fragment to representing a completed whole. A piece of music or a piece of art is not a fragment of a larger work, but a standalone creation, illustrating how the word can simultaneously signify both a part and a totality depending on the creative context.
Countable as a fragment or work.
Meanings
Collocations & Compounds
piece of cake
something very easy
The exam was a piece of cake.
center piece
the middle decorative object
The floral center piece looked elegant on the table.
master piece
a work of outstanding artistry
The gallery displayed the artist's final master piece.
piece of mind
one's opinion, often expressed angrily
He gave the manager a piece of his mind.
chess piece
a playing figure in chess
The knight is a powerful chess piece.
Phrasal Verbs
piece together
assemble from fragments
The detective tried to piece together the clues.