释义 |
fragmentary, a.|ˈfrægməntərɪ| [f. fragment n. + -ary. Cf. mod.F. fragmentaire. Johnson 1755 cites Donne, and says ‘a word not elegant, nor in use’. It has been common since 1835.] Of the nature of, or composed of, fragments; not complete or entire; disconnected or disjointed.
1611Donne Lett. (1651) 158 With those fragmentary recreations I must make shift. a1631― Progr. Soul, 2nd Anniv. 82 What fragmentary rubbidge this world is Thou know'st. 1835Browning Paracelsus ii. 32 A few Discoveries, as appended here and there, The fragmentary produce of much toil. 1844Thirlwall Greece VIII. lxiv. 275 We have but scanty and fragmentary notices of his operations. 1856Kane Arct. Expl. I. xx. 248 Becoming embarrassed in fragmentary ice. 1875Jowett Plato (ed. 2) III. 527 His knowledge is fragmentary and unconnected. b. spec. in Geol. Composed of fragments of previously-existing rocks, etc.
1836Macgillivray tr. Humboldt's Trav. xxi. 305 The rocks were found to be fragmentary, consisting of pieces of coral, cemented by carbonate of lime, and interspersed with quartzy sand. Hence ˈfragmentarily adv.; also ˈfragmentariness.
1836J. Sterling Ess. & Tales (1848) I. p. lxxxvii, I have always had..a sense of fragmentariness from not having been there. 1856Emerson Eng. Traits, Universities Wks. (Bohn) II. 94 Pamphleteer or journalist..must read meanly and fragmentarily. 1860Westcott Introd. Study Gosp. vi. (ed. 5) 329 The various narratives of the Resurrection place the fragmentariness of the Gospel [of St. Luke] in the clearest light. 1871Daily News 18 Sept., Where an enterprising enemy might have cut them off fragmentarily. |