n.
Pronunciation: ' n ī f
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural knives \ ' n ī vz \
Usage: often attrib
Etymology: Middle English knif, from Old English cn ī f, perhaps from Old Norse kn ī fr; akin to Middle Low German kn ī f knife
Date: before 12th century
1 a : a cutting instrument consisting of a sharp blade fastened to a handle b : a weapon resembling a knife
2 : a sharp cutting blade or tool in a machine
3 : SURGERY 4 ― usually used in the phrase under the knife
– knife · like \ ' n ī f- ˌ l ī k \ adjective