Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tool for cutting branches: A long-handled pruning saw with a curved blade at the end, sometimes also incorporating a clipper mechanism. It is used to cut back and shape plants, especially small trees and shrubs.
   • A person who trims plants: A worker whose job is to thin out, cut back, and trim trees and shrubs to maintain their health and shape.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Tool):

  • The gardener used a pruner to remove the dead branches from the apple tree.
  • This pruner has a sharp, curved blade perfect for cutting thick stems.

• Noun (Person):

  • We hired a professional pruner to care for the orchard.
  • As an experienced pruner, she knows exactly which branches to cut to improve fruit yield.

Advanced Usage

• "Untouched by the pruner's axe": A literary or descriptive phrase meaning something has been left in its natural, wild state, without any human trimming or intervention.
  • The old part of the garden remained wild and beautiful, untouched by the pruner's axe.

Variants and Related Words

• Prune (verb): To trim (a tree, shrub, or bush) by cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems, especially to increase fruitfulness and growth.
  • You should prune the roses in early spring.
• Pruning (noun): The activity of cutting off branches from trees, plants, and bushes.
  • Annual pruning is essential for the health of these vines.
• Pruning shears (noun): A common hand tool for pruning, similar to strong scissors. This is a specific type of pruner.
  • He sharpened his pruning shears before starting work.

Synonyms

• Trimmer: A person or tool that trims.
• Loppers: A type of long-handled pruning tool for cutting thicker branches.
• Arborist: A specialist in the care of trees (a more formal term for a person who prunes trees professionally).

Related Phrases

• Pruning hook: An alternative name for a type of pruning tool with a hooked blade.
• To wield the pruner: To use a pruner; to engage in the act of pruning.
  • She skillfully wielded the pruner to shape the topiary.

Noun

1. a long-handled pruning saw with a curved blade at the end and sometimes a clipper; used to prune small trees
2. a worker who thins out and trims trees and shrubs
   • untouched by the pruner's axe