knife edge

noun

1. the cutting edge of a knife.

2. anything very sharp.

3. a wedge on the fine edge of which a scale beam, pendulum, or the like, balances or oscillates.

knife edge

noun

1. the sharp cutting edge of a knife

2. any sharp edge

3. a sharp-edged wedge of hard material on which the beam of a balance pivots or about which a pendulum is suspended

4. a critical point in the development of a situation, process of making a decision, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of knife edge¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Related Words

• pleat