— knifelike , adj. — knifer , n.
/nuyf/ , n. , pl. knives /nuyvz/ , v. , knifed, knifing .
n.
1. an instrument for cutting, consisting essentially of a thin, sharp-edged, metal blade fitted with a handle.
2. a knifelike weapon; dagger or short sword.
3. any blade for cutting, as in a tool or machine.
4. under the knife , in surgery; undergoing a medical operation: The patient was under the knife for four hours.
v.t.
5. to apply a knife to; cut, stab, etc., with a knife.
6. to attempt to defeat or undermine in a secret or underhanded way.
v.i.
7. to move or cleave through something with or as if with a knife: The ship knifed through the heavy seas.
[ bef. 1100; ME knif, OE cnif; c. D knijf, G Kneif, ON knifr ]