scissors

[siz-erz] /ˈsɪz ərz/

noun

(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 with pair of).

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

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

Origin

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

scissor

[siz-er] /ˈsɪz ər/

verb (used with object)

to cut or clip out with scissors.

to eliminate or eradicate from a text; expunge:

testimony scissored from the record.

verb (used without object)

to move one's body or legs like the blades of scissors:

a gymnast scissoring over the bar.

noun

scissors.

Origin

1605-15; v. use of singular of scissors

Related forms

unscissored, adjective

Examples from the web for scissors

Cutting everything with scissors would have made it much less fun, and might keep kids from trying it on their own.
She has the unenviable task of taking a pair of scissors and cutting into a priceless masterpiece.
Another has drawn a giant pair of scissors cutting a hole in the wall along a dotted line.
Hair flew and scissors gleamed on the west side last night.
Hunt for scissors with which to cut out some of the more useful articles.
Apparently nobody thought that a pilot who wants to hijack a plane doesn't need a scissors.
Let them wield the scissors and spare me this ignominy.
So, if you are in the mood, put down the screwdriver and soldering iron and turn your hand to some work with scissors and glue.
If they have thick hair and don't come around right away, get scissors and cut it off to help them cool down.
The smallest stand on wooden boxes, their arms cut where their scissors have missed the wool.

British Dictionary definitions for scissors

scissors

/ˈsɪzəz/

plural noun

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

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

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

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

Derived Forms

scissor-like, adjective

Word Origin

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

scissor

/ˈsɪzə/

noun

(modifier) of or relating to scissors: a scissor blade

verb

to cut (an object) with scissors

Word Origin and History for scissors

late 14c., sisoures, from Old French cisoires (plural) "shears," from Vulgar Latin *cisoria (plural) "cutting instrument," from *cisus (in compounds such as Latin excisus, past participle of excidere "to cut out"), ultimately from Latin caedere "to cut" (see -cide). Spelling with sc- is 16c., from influence of Medieval Latin scissor "tailor," in classical Latin "carver, cutter," from past participle stem of scindere "to split."

Usually with pair of (attested from c.1400) when indication of just one is required, but a singular form without the -s occasionally was used (cysowre, mid-15c.). In Scotland, shears answers for all sizes, according to OED; but in England generally that word is used only for those too large to be worked by one hand. Sense in wrestling is from 1904. Oh scissors! was a 19c. exclamation of impatience or disgust (1843). In reference to a type of swimming kick, from 1902 (the image itself is from 1880s).

scissor

1610s, "to cut with scissors;" 1961 with reference to leg motions (in the wrestling sense it is attested from 1968); see scissors. Related: Scissored; scissoring.