scissor
B1Neutral to Informal (when used as a verb). Formal in technical/attributive use (e.g., scissor mechanism).
Definition
Meaning
A cutting tool consisting of two pivoted blades.
To cut, clip, or sever using a scissor-like motion; the act of cutting or moving in a manner reminiscent of scissor blades; used attributively (as an adjective) for things resembling or related to scissors.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, 'scissors' is the standard plural form. The singular form 'scissor' is now primarily used attributively (e.g., scissor action, scissor lift) or as a verb. The verb usage is less common than 'cut with scissors' and often appears in specific contexts (hairdressing, crafts, sports).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both treat 'scissors' as the default plural noun. The attributive and verb use of 'scissor' is consistent. No major difference, though 'scissor' as a verb might be slightly more common in US sports journalism (e.g., scissor-kick).
Connotations
Neutral. As a verb, can sound slightly technical or descriptive.
Frequency
The noun 'scissors' is high frequency. The verb and attributive 'scissor' are low-to-medium frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
scissor [sth] (e.g., She scissored the fabric)scissor [sth] + adverb/preposition (e.g., The footballer scissored the ball into the net)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Running with scissors (proverb/warning about danger)”
- “Scissor and paste (derogatory for unoriginal compiling)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in manufacturing/product names (e.g., 'scissor lift platform').
Academic
Rare. Might appear in physics/engineering describing a 'scissor mechanism' or in sports science.
Everyday
Common as noun ('scissors'). The verb is used in specific activities like crafting, hairdressing.
Technical
Used in mechanics ('scissor linkage'), construction ('scissor lift'), and sports ('scissor kick').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She carefully scissored the photograph from the magazine.
- The winger scissored past the defender with ease.
American English
- He scissored the coupon out of the newspaper.
- The gymnast scissored her legs during the vault.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The new lorry has a scissor lift mechanism.
- It's a simple scissor-action tool.
American English
- We rented a scissor lift for the warehouse job.
- The toy uses a scissor linkage to move.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I need scissors to cut this paper.
- Be careful with scissors, they are sharp.
- Can you pass me the pair of scissors, please?
- The hairdresser scissored my fringe to make it shorter.
- The player executed a perfect scissor kick to score the goal.
- The mechanic raised the car using a scissor jack.
- The dancer's legs scissored through the air in a powerful leap.
- The report was merely a scissor-and-paste job from various websites.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'SS' in the middle of 'scissor' as the two blades crossing over each other.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT IS CUTTING (e.g., 'the car scissored through traffic'); SEPARATION IS CUTTING (e.g., 'scissor off the bad part').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'ножницы' for the singular 'scissor'. The singular in English is rarely used for the tool itself.
- In Russian, the action is often expressed with the noun 'ножницы' and a verb like 'резать'. In English, the verb 'to scissor' exists but is less common.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'a scissor' to refer to the tool (correct: 'a pair of scissors' or 'some scissors').
- Using 'scissor' as a noun in plural contexts (Incorrect: 'hand me those scissor' Correct: 'hand me those scissors').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'scissor' correctly as a singular noun referring to the tool?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not when referring to the common cutting tool. The standard expression is 'a pair of scissors' or simply 'scissors' (which is treated as plural). 'A scissor' is only used in technical/attributive contexts (e.g., a scissor mechanism).
Yes, but it's less common than phrases like 'cut with scissors'. It means to cut or move with a scissor-like action and is used in specific domains like crafts, hairdressing, and sports.
'Shear' often implies cutting through something with force or cutting something off completely (e.g., shear sheep, shear metal). 'Scissor' implies a precise, often smaller, cutting action using two blades, or a crossing movement.
It derives from a Latin plural form. The tool is inherently composed of two joined parts (blades), so many languages use a plural or dual form for such objects (cf. 'trousers', 'glasses').