scissors

[siz-erz]

noun

1. (used with a singular or plural verb),  a cutting instrument for paper, cloth, etc., consisting of two blades, each having a ring-shaped handle, that are so pivoted together that their sharp edges work one against the other (often used withpair of ).

2. (used with a singular verb),  any of several feats in which the legs execute a scissorlike motion.

3. (used with a singular verb),  a hold secured by clasping the legs around the body or head of the opponent.

scissors

/ ˈsɪzəz /

plural noun

1. Also called: pair of scissors. a cutting instrument used for cloth, hair, etc, having two crossed pivoted blades that cut by a shearing action, with ring-shaped handles at one end

2. a wrestling hold in which a wrestler wraps his legs round his opponent's body or head, locks his feet together, and squeezes

3. any gymnastic or athletic feat in which the legs cross and uncross in a scissor-like movement

4. athletics a technique in high-jumping, now little used, in which the legs perform a scissor-like movement in clearing the bar

Other Word Forms

• scissor-like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scissors¹

1350–1400; Middle English cisoures, sisoures < Middle French cisoires < Medieval Latin *cīsōria, plural of Late Latin cīsōrium cutting tool ( chisel ); current spelling by association with Latin scindere to cut (past participle scīssus ), Medieval Latin scīssor tailor

Word History and Origins

Origin of scissors¹

C14 sisoures, from Old French cisoires, from Vulgar Latin cīsōria (unattested), ultimately from Latin caedere to cut; see _chisel

Example Sentences

"Pens, scissors and even tables have been used as weapons."

From BBC

One afternoon, she invited Brink to her home, where the dining table was set with scissors, glue sticks, stacks of magazines and knickknacks.

From Los Angeles Times

Unfortunately, the person used scissors to cut the birds’ wings out of the tacky material intended to trap rodents and pests.

From Los Angeles Times

But I could only use my left when using scissors.

From Los Angeles Times

Also discovered at the scene were blowtorches, three knives and a pair of scissors.

From BBC