sheath

[ sheeth ]

noun

, plural sheaths [shee, th, z].

1. a case or covering for the blade of a sword, dagger, or the like.
2. any similar close-fitting covering or case.
3. a condom.
4. Biology. a closely enveloping part or structure, as in an animal or plant.
5. Botany. the leaf base when it forms a vertical coating surrounding the stem.
6. a close-fitting dress, skirt, or coat, especially an unbelted dress with a straight drape.
7. Electricity. the metal covering of a cable.
8. Electronics.
   1. the metal wall of a wave guide.
   2. a space charge formed by ions near an electrode in a tube containing low-pressure gas.
   3. the region of a space charge in a cathode-ray tube.

verb (used with object)

1. to sheathe.

sheath

/ ʃiːθ /

noun

1. a case or covering for the blade of a knife, sword, etc
2. any similar close-fitting case
3. biology an enclosing or protective structure, such as a leaf base encasing the stem of a plant
4. the protective covering on an electric cable
5. a figure-hugging dress with a narrow tapering skirt
6. See condom
   another name for condom

verb

1. See sheathe
   tr another word for sheathe

sheath

/ shēth /

1. An enveloping tubular structure, such as the base of a grass leaf that surrounds the stem or the tissue that encloses a muscle or nerve fiber.

Other Words From

• sheathless adjective
• sheathlike sheathy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sheath¹

before 950; Middle English s ( c ) heth ( e ), Old English scēath; cognate with German Scheide; shed ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of sheath¹

Old English scēath; related to Old Norse skeithir, Old High German sceida a dividing; compare Old English scādan to divide

Example Sentences

The included rugged leather sheath securely attaches to a belt.

From Outside Online

Inside the branches, the trunk and big roots, an actively growing sheath surrounds the inner ghost plumbing.

From Science News

Each season, this whole sheath adds a layer of carbon-capturing tissue from root to crown.

From Science News

They can essentially shut down for months or even years at a time, and one species can ride out dry spells in a protective mucus sheath.

From Vox

It measures in at 7 and ¼ inches in length, and includes a wooden sheath for easy storage and protection.

From Popular-Science

De la Renta did design some stuff for Kennedy too—notably, one perfect belted sheath in crisp white linen.

From The Daily Beast

Finally, she slithered into a finished dress: the ultimate chic sheath, a collarless long-sleeved navy blue garment.

From The Daily Beast

And she has been spotted wearing nothing but the most discrete, tailored sheath dresses.

From The Daily Beast

The first lady wore a Michael Kors sheath with a matching cropped jacket and traditional pearls.

From The Daily Beast

The brightly colored sheath was a form of political détente and self-definition.

From The Daily Beast

The Datto complaisantly allowed me to draw it from the sheath and pass it round to my friends.

From Project Gutenberg

Whipping the long, keen blade from its sheath, Marius bore down upon the rash meddler.

From Project Gutenberg

Tail truncated, spine on the side of the tail very distinct, imbedded in a sheath.

From Project Gutenberg

He saw a large sheath-knife, and secured that in his own belt; then he took a mouthful of wine, and went to his post.

From Project Gutenberg

He was trying to 286 work the knife from its sheath before I could force him backward or break his neck.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• covering