knife

UK: naɪf | US: naɪf

Definition

  1. n. a sharp-edged tool or weapon used for cutting

  2. vt. to stab or cut with a knife

Structure
knif <cut>
Etymology

The word "knife" traces back to Old English cnīf, derived from Proto-Germanic knībaz, meaning "cutting tool." The silent "k" reflects its Norse influence (compare Old Norse knīfr). Over time, the spelling stabilized as "knife," while the pronunciation dropped the initial "k" sound. The morpheme "knif" retains the core idea of cutting, though it no longer stands alone in Modern English.

Examples

  1. She used a sharp knife to slice the bread.

  2. The chef carefully cleaned his knife after chopping vegetables.

  3. He was arrested for carrying a concealed knife.

  4. The artist knife-cut the paper into intricate shapes.

  5. Frost knifed through the air on the winter morning.