Definition

Noun: A small, flat, abrasive tool used for smoothing, shaping, and shortening fingernails or toenails.

Usage

A nailfile is a personal grooming tool. It is used by moving its abrasive surface back and forth across the edge of a nail to achieve a desired shape and smoothness. - She used a nailfile to smooth the rough edge of her thumbnail. - A good manicure kit always includes a nailfile. - He keeps a metal nailfile in his desk drawer.

Advanced Usage

• "to file one's nails": This is the primary verb phrase associated with using a nailfile.
  • She filed her nails before applying polish.

Variants and Related Words

• Emery board: A specific type of disposable nailfile made from cardboard coated with emery (a granular abrasive).
  • She prefers an emery board to a metal nailfile.
• Nail buffer: A tool with multiple abrasive surfaces used to shine and smooth the nail's surface, not just its edge.
• Manicure stick / Orange stick: A wooden stick used for cuticle care, often found in manicure sets alongside a nailfile.

Synonyms

• Nail rasp: A less common synonym, often implying a slightly coarser tool.
• File (in the context of grooming): When the context is clear, "file" can be used alone.
  • Do you have a file? My nail is snagged.

Related Phrases

• To be filed smooth: Describes the state of nails after using a nailfile.
  • Her nails were neatly filed smooth.

Noun

1. a small flat file for shaping the nails