spånan

Spånan is a term that can refer to several things, most commonly a type of wood shaving or sliver. In carpentry and woodworking, spånan refers to thin strips of wood peeled or shaved off a larger piece, often as a byproduct of planing or carving. These shavings can be used for various purposes, such as tinder for starting fires, packing material, or as decorative elements in crafts. The term is of Swedish origin.

Beyond its literal meaning, "spånan" can also be used metaphorically to describe something small, insignificant, or a mere fragment of something larger. This usage might appear in literature or everyday conversation to denote something that is left over or has been reduced to its smallest parts. The context in which "spånan" is used is crucial for understanding its intended meaning.