1. small metal fragments from an exploded bomb, shell, or other weapon
Usage: military
2. any scattered fragments or pieces of debris
Usage: informal

Examples

• The soldier was wounded by shrapnel from the explosion.
• Shrapnel from the car accident scattered across the highway.
• The bomb sent deadly shrapnel flying in all directions.
• Doctors had to remove shrapnel from his leg.
• The building’s windows were shattered by flying shrapnel.
• Metal shrapnel embedded itself in the nearby trees.