razor

American  

[rey-zer] / ˈreɪ zər /

noun

1. a sharp-edged instrument used especially for shaving the face or trimming the hair.

2. an electrically powered instrument used for the same purpose.

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verb (used with object)

1. to shave, cut, or remove with or as if with a razor.

idioms

1. on the razor's edge, in a difficult or precarious position.

razor British  

/ ˈreɪzə /

noun

1. a sharp implement used esp by men for shaving the face

2. in an acute dilemma

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verb

1. (tr) to cut or shave with a razor

razor More Idioms  

1. see sharp as a tack (razor).

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Other Word Forms

• razorless adjective
• unrazored adjective

Etymology

Origin of razor

1250–1300; Middle English rasour < Old French rasor, equivalent to ras ( er ) to raze + -or -or ²

Example Sentences

He instead pointed to a “razor thin margin” in the chamber, which he says allows a few defectors to circumvent leadership.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet just a few metres away a walled compound, topped with razor wire, has been built right next to the river.

From BBC

Research has shown, however, that it can also spread through indirect contact such as shared toothbrushes and razors.

From BBC

For any painting he decided was wanting, Soutine kept a razor blade in his studio to shred it.

From The Wall Street Journal

Sales on things that can wait, such as haircuts, pricier razors and fast-casual lunches, are slipping.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• blade
• knife
• shaver