1. past tense of shale; to break or split into thin layers like shale rock
Usage: geological; technical

Examples

• The sedimentary rock shaled under pressure from the geological forces.
• Over millions of years, the clay deposits shaled into distinct layers.
• The cliff face had shaled, creating dangerous loose fragments.
• Workers found that the stone shaled easily when exposed to weathering.
• The ancient seabed shaled into readable geological strata.