I. ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ adjective
1. : having a sharp clear outline with regular distinct lines : not obscure, hazy, softened, or shadowed
a clear-cut pattern
a cold and clear-cut face … perfectly beautiful — Alfred Tennyson
2.
a. : showing distinct lucid analysis, plan, or presentation : having unmistakable clarity and definiteness : not vague, ambiguous, or confused
the Hoosier novels, simple in plot, clear-cut in characterization, concise and lucid in language — Carl Van Doren
b. : marked by certainty, definiteness, unmistakableness : beyond reservation or doubt
a clear-cut victory
the decision of the court was clear-cut and final
the announcement may be clear-cut or again it may be somewhat equivocal
Synonyms: see incisive
II. transitive verb
: to remove all timber from (an area) : cut all the trees in (a stand of timber)
III. ˈ ̷ ̷ ¦ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: clear-cut , verb
: clear-cutting