Definition

Noun (plural in form, often used with a plural verb): - A hand tool consisting of two pivoted blades, specifically designed for cutting sheet metal, particularly tinplate or other thin-gauge metals. The tool operates with a scissor-like action.

Usage

• The word "tinsnips" is typically treated as a plural noun (like "scissors" or "pliers"). It refers to the tool as a single object, but it is used with plural verb forms.
• It is a compound noun formed from "tin" and "snips."

Examples

• Noun:
  • These tinsnips are very sharp and cut through the aluminum easily.
  • Could you hand me the tinsnips? I need to trim this flashing.
  • A good pair of tinsnips is essential for any metalworking project.

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe a type of snips.
  • He made a clean cut with a tinsnips motion.

Variants and Related Words

• Tin snips: An alternative spelling, often written as two separate words.
• Snips: A more general term for hand-operated shears used for cutting various materials.
• Aviation snips: A modern, compound-action type of snips often used for similar purposes, sometimes colloquially included under the broader term "tinsnips."

Synonyms

• Metal shears
• Sheet metal cutters

Notes

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with the isolated word "tinsnips." It is a technical noun for a specific tool.

Noun

1. (plural) hand shears for cutting sheet metal