Small
Small turns up in 2 fields: textiles, shop slang. Here is what it means to the people in each one.
Small in textiles
A standard garment size intended for individuals with below-average measurements.
This sizing designation falls between extra-small and medium in standard alpha sizing systems. The exact measurements vary widely between brands and demographics, often corresponding to a women's size 4 to 6 or a men's 34 to 36 chest. Manufacturers scale their base patterns down from a medium to generate this size during the grading process.
"The tech pack says the small needs a 36-inch chest circumference."
Small in shop slang
Minor hardware components, fasteners, and miscellaneous loose items.
A collective term for the tiny, easily lost parts required to reassemble a machine or complete a job. Smalls include screws, washers, retaining clips, springs, and shims. Mechanics and technicians usually bag them up or throw them in a magnetic tray during teardown to prevent them from vanishing.
"Make sure you put all the smalls in a ziplock bag and tape it to the housing."