Dictionary > Scissors

Scissors

scissors
A cutting instrument resembling shears, but smaller, consisting of two cutting blades with handles, movable on a pin in the center, by which they are held together. Often called a pair of scissors.
(Science: zoology) written also cisors, cizars, and scissars Scissors grinder, the European goatsucker.
Origin: OE. Sisoures, OF. Cisoires (cf. F. Ciseaux), probably fr. LL. Cisorium a cutting instrument, fr. L. Caedere to cut. Cf. Chisel, Concise. The modern spelling is due to a mistaken derivation from L. Scissor one who cleaves or divides, fr. Scindere, scissum, to cut, spilt.

Last updated on March 1st, 2021

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