chain saw

¹ American  

noun

1. a power saw, usually portable, having teeth set on an endless chain.

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chain-saw ² American  

[cheyn-saw] / ˈtʃeɪnˌsɔ /

Or chainsaw

verb (used with object)

1. to cut or cut down (lumber, a tree, etc.) with a chain saw.

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verb (used without object)

1. to use a chain saw.

chain saw British  

noun

1. a motor-driven saw, usually portable, in which the cutting teeth form links in a continuous chain

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Etymology

Origin of chain saw¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Origin of chain-saw¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Milei’s post-midterms victory speech kindled hope for less chain saw and more coalition building over the next two years, Stock says.

From Barron's

Nail guns tat-tat-tat and chain saws screech on almost every block.

From Los Angeles Times

Birdwell fired up her chain saw nearly every morning, she told me, aware that keeping the brush at bay was crucial for safety.

From Los Angeles Times

A suspect was arrested after surveillance video and community tips led police to a man they say used a chain saw to cut down at least 13 trees in and around downtown Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

A reporter investigating clandestine timber-harvesting in a Mexican forest encounters a masked logger brandishing a chain saw.

From Los Angeles Times