This is the 6099th most frequent Portuguese word.
cavaco
A "cavaco" in Portuguese refers to a splinter, chip of wood, or the musical instrument cavaquinho.
Here, 'cavaco' refers to small pieces or chips of wood that result from cutting or carving.
O marceneiro retirou cavacos da madeira após cortá-la.
The carpenter removed wood chips after cutting it.
In this usage, 'cavaco' metaphorically refers to a small portion or piece of something, such as information.
Ele levou um cavaco da conversa que tivemos na reunião.
He took a morsel of the conversation we had during the meeting.
In this context, 'cavaco' is a shortened term for 'cavaquinho,' a Portuguese traditional string instrument.