knife edge

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noun

the cutting edge of a knife.

anything very sharp.

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

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THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of knife edge

First recorded in 1810–20

Words nearby knife edge

knickknack, knickpoint, Knies, knife, knife box, knife edge, knife-edged, knife grinder, knifeman, knife pleat, knifepoint

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use knife edge in a sentence

It’ll keep your knife in exactly the right position, so you don’t have to worry about creating a weird angle on the knife edge.
The best knife sharpener to keep your blades safe and effective|Edmund Torr|February 25, 2021|Popular-Science
Sukowa, perhaps best known for the films she made with Rainer Werner Fassbinder, walks this knife edge deftly.
In France's Official Oscar Entry Two of Us, Two Women’s Love Story Plays Like a Thriller|Stephanie Zacharek|February 5, 2021|Time
Use a light touch, slope the knifeblade and slice with knife edge away from you (Figure 1).
Electricity for the 4-H Scientist|Eric B. Wilson
He had hunted mountain sheep and imagined sun and frost had worn the rocks to something like a knife-edge.
Northwest!|Harold Bindloss

In the heights are numerous ledges and knife-edge ridges on which but little snow can lodge.
Watched by Wild Animals|Enos A. Mills
This ruby pin acts on a knife edge, but for all that the engaging friction during the unlocking action is considerable.
An Analysis of the Lever Escapement|H. R. Playtner
The knife-edge is then turned forward and made to cut its way out.
A System of Operative Surgery, Volume IV (of 4)|Various

British Dictionary definitions for knife edge

knife edge

noun

the sharp cutting edge of a knife

any sharp edge

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

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

knife edge

Origin of knife edge

Words nearby knife edge

Words related to knife edge

How to use knife edge in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for knife edge