Definition of chunk

The word "chunk" has its origins in Old English and Middle English. It comes from the verb "cunnan," which means "to know" or "to understand." Initially, "chunk" referred to a body of knowledge or a piece of information that one understood or grasped. In the 14th century, the meaning of "chunk" shifted to refer to a large, solid piece of something, such as a chunk of wood or a chunk of cheese. This sense of the word has since been adapted into various contexts, including physics, where a "chunk" can refer to a large, irregular mass of matter. Today, "chunk" is often used figuratively to describe a large or significant piece of something, such as a chunk of time or a chunk of money. Despite its evolution, the word "chunk" has retained its connection to the idea of understanding or grasping something, whether it's a piece of knowledge or a physical entity.