fruit-knife

A child uses a fruit-knife to slice an apple on a plate.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A knife for cutting fruit: A "fruit-knife" is a small knife designed specifically for cutting fruit, typically with a non-reactive blade (e.g., silver or stainless steel) to prevent discoloration or metallic taste.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She used a fruit-knife to slice the apple without it turning brown. (A knife made to cut fruit and avoid oxidation.)
  • The silver fruit-knife was part of the antique cutlery set. (A decorative knife intended for fruit.)

Advanced Usage

• "Fruit-knife" is often associated with formal dining or picnic settings, where a dedicated tool prevents fruit from staining or absorbing odors.
  • He brought a fruit-knife to the picnic to cut the melon. (A practical tool for outdoor fruit preparation.)

Variants and Related Words

• Fruit knife (n): Alternative spelling without the hyphen; same meaning.
  • The fruit knife had a serrated edge for peeling. (A knife for cutting fruit.)

Synonyms

• Paring knife: a small knife used for peeling and cutting fruits and vegetables.

  • A paring knife is similar to a fruit-knife but more general in use. (A versatile small knife.)

• Fruit cutter: a general term for any tool that cuts fruit.

  • The fruit cutter was dull after many uses. (A tool for cutting fruit.)

Related Idioms

• No common idioms directly involve "fruit-knife," as it is a specific, concrete noun. However, it may appear in descriptive phrases:
  • As sharp as a fruit-knife: (rare) metaphor for precision, though not idiomatic.