scissors

[ siz-erz ]
/ ˈsɪz ərz /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR scissors ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

(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).
(used with a singular verb) Gymnastics. any of several feats in which the legs execute a scissorlike motion.
(used with a singular verb) Wrestling. a hold secured by clasping the legs around the body or head of the opponent.

Origin of scissors

1350–1400; Middle English cisoures, sisoures < Middle French cisoires < Medieval Latin *cīsōria, plural of Late Latin cīsōrium cutting tool (see chisel); current spelling by association with Latin scindere to cut (past participle scīssus), Medieval Latin scīssor tailor

Words nearby scissors

scissel, scissile, scission, scissor, scissorlike, scissors, scissors chair, scissors jack, scissors kick, scissors truss, scissortail

Definition for scissors (2 of 2)

scissor
[ siz-er ]
/ ˈsɪz ər /

verb (used with object)

to cut or clip out with scissors.
to eliminate or eradicate from a text; expunge: testimony scissored from the record.

verb (used without object)

to move one's body or legs like the blades of scissors: a gymnast scissoring over the bar.

noun

scissors.

Origin of scissor

First recorded in 1605–15; v. use of singular of scissors

OTHER WORDS FROM scissor

un·scis·sored, adjective

Words related to scissors

shears, trimmer

Example sentences from the Web for scissors

British Dictionary definitions for scissors (1 of 2)

scissors
/ (ˈsɪzəz) /

pl n

Also called: pair 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
a wrestling hold in which a wrestler wraps his legs round his opponent's body or head, locks his feet together, and squeezes
any gymnastic or athletic feat in which the legs cross and uncross in a scissor-like movement
athletics a technique in high-jumping, now little used, in which the legs perform a scissor-like movement in clearing the bar

Derived forms of scissors

scissor-like, adjective

Word Origin for scissors

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

British Dictionary definitions for scissors (2 of 2)

scissor
/ (ˈsɪzə) /

noun

(modifier) of or relating to scissors a scissor blade

verb

to cut (an object) with scissors