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stub

stub

12 3.7
A small piece left after most of a pencil, cigarette, or candle is used
  • noun
  • /stʌb/
: resto
  • Two, he always has a history book in his pocket and a pencil stub.

I'm using some old white beeswax candle stubs.

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Examples

  • On either side of the road, mere stumps and blackened trunks and stubs of trees.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • She was lying on the divan, a large tray of cigarette stubs beside her.

  • And I still have the ticket stub.

  • A stub from a boxing match.

  • We left all the stubs in the suitcase.

  • The stubs of candles, for example!

  • I am looking at a collection of pencils worn down to stubs by the local writer.

    Academic text (1994)
  • We love candle stubs!

  • Pike passes an overturned table, the stubs of its broken legs sticking up at the ceiling.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • He picked up the pencil stub and realized it was too short to write with.

Synonyms

fragment
vsstub
204 3.2

A small piece broken off something larger

is a remaining part after use rather than a broken piece from damage
scrap
vsstub
147 2.1

A small piece left over or thrown away

is the neutral leftover part not necessarily for disposal
residue
vsstub
127 4.1

A small amount left on something after most is removed

is a physical small piece rather than an uncountable leftover amount
stump
vsstub
58 3.0

The part of a limb, tooth, or tree that remains after the rest is cut off

is usually much smaller and not a large cut remnant
butt
vsstub
36 5.2

The small part of a cigarette left after someone smokes it

is a small leftover part in general, not only for smoked items
end
vsstub
15 7.5

A leftover piece of cloth used for sewing or crafts

is the broader name for any small remaining part
nub
vsstub
14 6.9

A small hard lump that sticks out from a surface

is a simple leftover piece rather than a protruding knob
tag end
vsstub
1 7.3

A small piece left at the very end of cloth or ribbon

is the general leftover part, not limited to textiles

Antonyms

374 1.0

All of something seen as one unit

Compounds

12 1.4

A small piece you keep from a ticket after you enter to show proof

3 4.4

A small paper record you keep after you tear off a check showing the payment

7.4

A short thick metal spike used to hold things when length is not needed

How Small

sliver
49 3.9
nub
14 6.9
stub
12 3.7
fragment
204 3.2
remnant
104 4.2
piece
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

stub singular
stubs plural

Etymology

Stub comes from the old word stubb meaning 'tree stump', which makes a clear picture of a small piece left behind; that is why a pencil or candle stub is the short end that remains after most is used.