Definition

1. Noun:
   • A portable power saw with teeth linked to form an endless chain: A chainsaw is a mechanical, motorized saw that uses a rotating chain with sharp teeth to cut through wood and other materials. It is designed to be carried and operated by a single person.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The logger used a chainsaw to fell the large pine tree.
  • After the storm, the sound of chainsaws clearing fallen branches filled the neighborhood.
  • Operating a chainsaw requires proper safety equipment, including gloves and eye protection.

Advanced Usage

• "to chainsaw" (verb, informal): To cut or dismantle something rapidly and aggressively, often in a non-literal sense.
  • The new manager promised to chainsaw through the outdated bureaucracy.
  • The film editor had to chainsaw thirty minutes from the final cut.

Variants and Related Words

• Chainsaw massacre (noun phrase): A term popularized by horror films, referring to a violent attack involving a chainsaw.
• Chainsaw artist (noun phrase): A sculptor who uses chainsaws to create artwork from wood.
• Chainsaw mill (noun phrase): An attachment or setup that allows a chainsaw to function as a portable sawmill.

Synonyms

• Power saw: A general term for any saw powered by an engine or motor.
• Portable saw: Emphasizes the tool's mobility.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Verb Phrases

• To fire up the chainsaw: To start the chainsaw's engine.
  • He fired up the chainsaw and began cutting the firewood.
• To run a chainsaw: To operate a chainsaw.
  • She learned how to run a chainsaw safely at a forestry workshop.

Related Idioms

• Like a hot knife through butter: While not specific to chainsaws, this idiom describes something (like a chainsaw cutting soft wood) that moves through a substance with extreme ease and speed.
  • The new chainsaw went through the log like a hot knife through butter.

Noun

1. portable power saw; teeth linked to form an endless chain