paper knife

paper knife
1. a small, often decorative, knifelike instrument with a blade of metal, ivory, wood, or the like, for slitting open envelopes, the leaves of books, folded papers, etc.
2. the blade of a paper cutter.
[1800-10]

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • paper knife — paper knives also paper knife N COUNT A paper knife is a tool shaped like a knife, which is used for opening envelopes …   English dictionary

  • paper knife — n BrE a knife for opening envelopes …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • paper knife — paper ,knife (plural paper knives) noun count BRITISH a LETTER OPENER …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • paper knife — n. a knifelike blade used to cut sealed envelopes or the uncut pages of books …   English World dictionary

  • paper knife — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms paper knife : singular paper knife plural paper knives British a long thin knife used for opening envelopes …   English dictionary

  • Paper knife — Bakelite letter opener A paper knife or letter opener is a knife like object used to open envelopes or to slit uncut pages of books. Electric versions are also available, which work by using motors to slide the envelopes across a blade. These… …   Wikipedia

  • paper-knife — see paper knife …   English dictionary

  • paper knife — noun Date: circa 1807 1. a knife for slitting envelopes or uncut pages 2. the knife of a paper cutter …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • paper knife — pa·per knife || peɪpÉ™(r)‚naɪf letter opener, knife with a thin dull blade designed to open envelopes …   English contemporary dictionary

  • paper knife — noun dull knife used to cut open the envelopes in which letters are mailed or to slit uncut pages of books • Syn: ↑letter opener, ↑paperknife • Hypernyms: ↑knife * * * noun, pl ⋯ knives [count] Brit : ↑letter opener …   Useful english dictionary

  • paper knife — noun (C) BrE a knife for opening envelopes …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

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