kerf

A carpenter measures the kerf left by his saw in a wooden board.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A cut made by a saw: "kerf" refers to the groove or channel created by a saw blade as it cuts through a material, such as wood or metal.
   • The width of such a cut: It can also denote the width of the slot left by the saw blade, which is typically wider than the blade itself due to the teeth's set.

Usage Examples

• (The groove left by the saw.)
• (The width of the cut.)

Advanced Usage

• "kerf loss": The amount of material removed by the saw cut, which is often considered waste in woodworking or manufacturing.

  • To minimize kerf loss, the craftsman used a thin-bladed saw. (The material lost due to the cut.)

• "kerf bend": A technique in metalworking where a series of kerfs are cut into a piece to allow it to be bent into a curved shape.

  • The metal sheet was scored with multiple kerfs before being bent into a cylinder. (Grooves used for bending.)

Variants and Related Words

• Kerfing (noun): The process of making a kerf or series of kerfs.

  • Kerfing the wood helps it bend more easily. (The act of cutting grooves.)

• Kerfed (adjective): Having a kerf cut into it.

  • The kerfed board was used as a form for concrete. (Describing a board with a saw cut.)

Synonyms

• Groove: a long, narrow cut or depression in a surface.
• Slot: a narrow opening or groove, often made by cutting.
• Notch: a V-shaped cut or indentation.

Related Idioms

• "To make a kerf": (Informal) To create a visible or significant cut or division.
  • The new policy made a kerf in the company's old traditions. (A figurative cut or change.)

Phrasal Verbs

• (None commonly associated with "kerf" as a noun; it is rarely used in verb form.)

Notes

• "Kerf" is a technical term primarily used in woodworking, metalworking, and construction. It is not common in everyday conversation.