sharpener

American  

[shahrp-uhn-er] / ˈʃɑrp ən ər /

noun

1. a tool, device, or machine used to produce or restore a fine edge or point on blades, pencils, etc.

2. a person whose work is to restore a fine edge or point on things by means of such a tool or machine.

3. a person, activity, or thing that serves to hone or challenge a person's thinking, skill, etc.

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Example Sentences

"In atom-probe tomography, we start by sharpening a piece of the lunar sample into a very sharp tip, using a focused ion beam microscope, almost like a very fancy pencil sharpener," Greer said.

From Science Daily • Oct. 23, 2023

That included bags full of sticks and helmets, a skate sharpener, a portable ultrasound system, a sewing machine, a custom stereo and a box of Splenda, the sweetener Coach Peter Laviolette prefers in his coffee.

From Washington Post • Apr. 10, 2023

"It's given me a little sharpener, a kick up the backside, that this is how I need to play my cricket, how I can be consistently useful in this group."

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2023

It should also go without saying that you need a knife sharpener because they can slice, rather than crush, your veggies.

From Salon • May 31, 2022

I dig in my bag, pull out a pencil, and place it in the sharpener.

From "The Thing About Jellyfish" by Ali Benjamin