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View synonyms for

scissors

[ siz-erz ]

noun

  1. (used with a singular or plural verb) a cutting instrument for paper, cloth, etc., consisting of two blades, each having a ring-shaped handle, that are so pivoted together that their sharp edges work one against the other (often used with pair of ).
  2. (used with a singular verb) Gymnastics. any of several feats in which the legs execute a scissorlike motion.
  3. (used with a singular verb) Wrestling. a hold secured by clasping the legs around the body or head of the opponent.


scissors

/ ˈɪə /

plural noun

  1. Also calledpair of scissors a cutting instrument used for cloth, hair, etc, having two crossed pivoted blades that cut by a shearing action, with ring-shaped handles at one end
  2. a wrestling hold in which a wrestler wraps his legs round his opponent's body or head, locks his feet together, and squeezes
  3. any gymnastic or athletic feat in which the legs cross and uncross in a scissor-like movement
  4. athletics a technique in high-jumping, now little used, in which the legs perform a scissor-like movement in clearing the bar
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈǰ-ˌ, adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of scissors1

1350–1400; Middle English cisoures, sisoures < Middle French cisoires < Medieval Latin *īō, plural of Late Latin īōܳ cutting tool ( chisel ); current spelling by association with Latin scindere to cut (past participle īܲ ), Medieval Latin īǰ tailor
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Word History and Origins

Origin of scissors1

C14 sisoures, from Old French cisoires, from Vulgar Latin īō (unattested), ultimately from Latin caedere to cut; see chisel
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

A friend from Colorado persuaded Lam to set up an Amazon wish list, which was filled with modest asks: pencils, glue, scissors and paper.

From

"A pair of scissors, one empty teapot and some hot water, please."

From

A woman who did not realise she was pregnant has described giving birth alone at the beauty parlour where she worked before cutting her baby's umbilical cord with eyebrow scissors.

From

At one stage in the delay he appeared to play a rock, paper, scissors game - highlighting the unpredictable, random nature of VAR decisions.

From

Faced by a four-minute delay as he awaited a decision, he appeared to play a game of rock, paper, scissors to highlight the unpredictable nature of a VAR call.

From

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