Crumbly

/ˈkrʌmbli/ adjective

Definition

Tending to break or fall apart into small pieces; having a dry, fragile texture.

Etymology

From 'crumb' plus the adjective-forming suffix '-y.' Developed in English to describe the texture of bread, soil, and other materials that fragment easily.

Kelly Says

Gardeners love 'crumbly soil' because it drains well and lets roots penetrate—the same word praising texture in soil is criticizing it in pastries, showing how context completely flips a word's value.

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