I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
Etymology: knock out
1. Britain : an auction or sale or similar transaction at which a combination (as of bidders) illegitimately forces out other potential competitors and arranges by prior agreement to have one member of the combination secure at a set price the thing being offered so as later to profitably dispose of the thing (as by reauctioning)
2.
a.
(1) : the act of knocking out or the condition of being knocked out
(2) : a blow or attack that knocks out
won the fight by a knockout
an attempted early knockout by the enemy — R.W.Stokley
b.
(1) : termination of a bout in boxing that occurs when an opponent is knocked out
(2) : technical knockout
3. : something sensationally striking or attractive : something altogether out of the ordinary or superlatively excellent
she combines looks with poise and is a knockout at any party
a hilarious book that is a real knockout
has produced a new film that is a knockout
4.
a. : something (as a set of pins in a die) that can be loosened or forced out typically to release or force out something else (as work in a punch or die)
b.
(1) : a partially punched-out or cutout piece especially in metal or plastic designed to be forced out when an opening is required ; especially : such a partially punched piece in the side of a junction box
(2) : the hole produced when such a piece is forced out
II. adjective
Etymology: partly from knock out; partly from knockout (I)
1.
a. : that knocks out: as
(1) : that makes unconscious or stupefies
delivered a knockout blow to the head
mixed a knockout drink
(2) : that incapacitates or puts out of commission or demolishes or destroys
planned a knockout offensive against the enemy
a knockout air attack
(3) : that eliminates from competition
only three teams were left in the running after the preliminary knockout matches
b. : that can be loosened or forced out
removal of hot work from a press by means of knockout pins in the die
or that is equipped with pieces that can be loosened or forced out
metal file cases that are punched with knockout holes
2. : sensationally striking or attractive or unusual or excellent
wore a knockout dress
ideas for a knockout gift