breakface

English

Alternative forms

• break face

Etymology

break +‎ face.

Noun

breakface (plural breakfaces)

1. (archaeology) the surface of an artifact where a piece has been broken off
   • 1999, Lawrence M. Berman and Kenneth J. Bohač, The Cleveland Museum of Art Catalogue of Egyptian Art, page 551 and page 561:

     The carved surface and breakfaces on the sides of this relief exhibit a uniform appearance in ultraviolet light despite damage to the surface, including scratches, abrasion, and a modern drillhole from a previous mount. […] The head has been broken off at the neck and repaired previously. Breakfaces appear sharp and clean as if the break were recent. […] A chip is associated with the clean breakface.