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

The full-body suit was made up of about 26 overlapping prosthetic pieces that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The diffuse structure of nonlinear novels engaged readers in a new and unexpected way, inviting them to piece together scattered episodes in the manner of a jigsaw puzzle.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But standing in the way of such a hybrid plan is a jigsaw puzzle of land rights and owners’ agendas, some known, others tightly guarded.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This is a jigsaw puzzle we've been putting together for five years.

Read more on BBC

The trekking sticks, the T-shirt with the jigsaw map of L.A., the modest “Los Angeles” hat.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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