jigsaw

[jig-saw]

noun

1. Also jig saw an electric machine saw with a narrow blade mounted vertically in a frame, for cutting curves or other difficult lines or patterns.

verb (used with object)

jigsawed, jigsawed, jigsawn, jigsawing. 

1. to cut or form with a jigsaw.

adjective

1. formed by or as if by a jigsaw.

   jigsaw ornamentation.

jigsaw

/ ˈdʒɪɡˌsɔː /

noun

1. a mechanical saw with a fine steel blade for cutting intricate curves in sheets of material

2. See jigsaw puzzle

Word History and Origins

Origin of jigsaw¹

First recorded in 1870–75; jig ² + saw ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of jigsaw¹

C19: from _jig (to jerk up and down rapidly) + _saw ¹

Example Sentences

Since joining in January, he has become the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle they needed last year in midfield.

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“The Stormtrooper scene was like a jigsaw puzzle. We had to mix a practical location with a staged set and then all the TIE fighter stuff was also shot on a stage.”

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Bronze joked the jigsaw had been left in a "mess" but there were plenty of other hobbies to keep the Lionesses entertained.

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Children were offered books, jigsaw puzzles and soft toys - and the cells have brightly coloured murals on the walls, with posters carrying the Childline helpline number on the ceiling.

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He accused the prosecution of trying to force a jigsaw puzzle of evidence together, "stretching interpretations, ignoring alternative explanations because they don't align perfectly with the narrative".

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Related Words

• break 
• crack 
• damage 
• divide 
• grab 
• injure 
• mangle 
• pull 
• rive 
• rupture 
• separate 
• sever 
• shred 
• slash 
• snatch 
• split 
• wrench 
• yank