power saw: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical / Everyday / Informal
Quick answer
What does “power saw” mean?
A handheld, electric (or sometimes pneumatic) tool with a toothed metal blade or disk, used for cutting hard materials like wood, metal, or plastic by rapid motion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A handheld, electric (or sometimes pneumatic) tool with a toothed metal blade or disk, used for cutting hard materials like wood, metal, or plastic by rapid motion.
Metaphorically, can refer to any forceful, direct, and often disruptive method or process of division or analysis.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term itself is identical. However, the specific types of saws (e.g., 'circular saw', 'jigsaw', 'reciprocating saw') are more commonly referenced than the generic 'power saw' in both regions.
Connotations
None specific to either variety. Connotes DIY, construction, woodworking, or industrial work.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English in general usage, but the difference is minimal. Both regions use specific model names more frequently.
Grammar
How to Use “power saw” in a Sentence
[Subject] used a power saw to [infinitive verb phrase] (He used a power saw to cut the plank).[Subject] cut [object] with a power saw.The power saw [verb of action] through [material].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “power saw” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Power-sawing is not permitted after 6 PM due to noise.
- He power-sawed the timber to size.
American English
- Power-sawing through that old beam created a lot of dust.
- They power-sawed the metal pipe in half.
adverb
British English
- [No adverbial form]
American English
- [No adverbial form]
adjective
British English
- [Not standard. Typically used attributively as part of the noun compound: 'power-saw blade', 'power-saw injury'.]
American English
- [Not standard. Typically used attributively as part of the noun compound: 'power saw blade', 'power saw cut'.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts of hardware retail, construction services, or industrial equipment supply.
Academic
Rare, except in engineering, materials science, or occupational safety research papers.
Everyday
Common in DIY, home improvement, and crafting contexts. 'I need to borrow a power saw for this deck project.'
Technical
Standard term in construction, carpentry, metalworking, and tool manufacturing manuals and discussions.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “power saw”
- Incorrect plural: 'powers saws' (correct: 'power saws').
- Incorrect article use: 'a power saws'.
- Confusing 'power saw' (generic) with specific types like 'chainsaw' or 'band saw'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a chainsaw is a specific type of power saw designed for felling trees and cutting logs, using a rotating chain with teeth.
Always use appropriate safety gear (goggles, hearing protection, gloves) and never remove safety guards. Keep hands away from the blade path and ensure the tool is off and unplugged for adjustments.
A power saw uses an electric motor (or other power source) to move the blade, making cutting faster and less physically demanding. A hand saw relies entirely on manual force from the user.
Yes, but it's less common and informal (e.g., 'He power-sawed through the beam'). The more standard phrasing is 'cut with a power saw'.
A handheld, electric (or sometimes pneumatic) tool with a toothed metal blade or disk, used for cutting hard materials like wood, metal, or plastic by rapid motion.
Power saw is usually technical / everyday / informal in register.
Power saw: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊə ˌsɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊər ˌsɑː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms with 'power saw' as a fixed phrase]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the 'power' coming from the plug/battery making the 'saw' move on its own, unlike a hand saw which needs your muscle power.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER SAW IS A PRECISE, AGGRESSIVE FORCE (e.g., 'Her argument cut through the confusion like a power saw').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'power saw' LEAST likely to be used?