cutlass

/'kʌtləs/

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Word: Cutlass

Definition: A cutlass is a type of sword that is short, heavy, and has a curved shape with one sharp edge. It was mostly used by sailors in the past, especially during the age of sailing ships.

Usage Instructions:

• Part of Speech: Noun
• Countability: It is a countable noun, so you can say "one cutlass" or "several cutlasses."

Example Sentence:

• "The pirate drew his cutlass to defend the ship from attackers."

Advanced Usage:

In literature and movies, the cutlass is often associated with pirates and adventures at sea. You might hear phrases like "swashbuckling" which means engaging in daring and exciting adventures, often with a cutlass.

Word Variants:

• Cutlass-like (adjective): Describing something that resembles or has characteristics of a cutlass.
  • Example: "The knife had a cutlass-like curve, making it easy to slice through tough materials."

Different Meanings:

While "cutlass" primarily refers to the sword, in some contexts, it might refer to a type of fish, specifically the cutlassfish, known for its elongated shape. However, this usage is less common.

Synonyms:

• Sword
• Sabre
• Machete (in some contexts, though a machete is usually longer and used differently)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Cutlass (as part of a phrase): The term itself doesn’t have specific idioms or phrasal verbs, but you might see it in phrases related to piracy or naval battles, like “cutlass drawn,” meaning ready for battle.

Summary:

A cutlass is a historical weapon that symbolizes adventure and bravery on the high seas, particularly among pirates.

Academic

Noun

1. a short heavy curved sword with one edge; formerly used by sailors

Synonyms

• cutlas