scissors

• Outil de coupe composé de deux lames articulées sur un pivot, muni de poignées pour les doigts, servant à couper du tissu, du papier, des cheveux, etc.

A hand-operated cutting tool comprising two metal blades that pivot on a fulcrum, each ending in a looped handle for the thumb and fingers, used to trim or shape materials such as cloth, paper, or hair.

1. A hand-operated cutting instrument with two pivoted blades.A2formal

   A device consisting of two sharp-edged metal pieces attached at a pivot point, each terminating in a looped handle that accommodates the thumb and fingers; used to cut thin materials by bringing the blades together.

   ciseaux

   • She reached for her sewing kit and took out the sharp two-bladed tool.
   • The kindergarten teacher showed the children how to hold the cutting implement safely.
   • After snipping the ribbon, he put the pair back in the drawer.
   • The hairdresser sterilised the professional cutting tool between clients.
   • He used the kitchen shears to snip fresh herbs from the pot.

   Synonymespair of scissors

2. A gymnastic or wrestling movement in which the legs cross alternately.B2formalsport

   An athletic posture or technique where an individual opens and crosses the legs, imitating the opening and closing of a pair of blades; employed in high jump, diving, gymnastics, or as a wrestling hold.

   Ciseaux (mouvement)

   • The high jumper cleared the bar with a textbook leg-crossing action.
   • During the match, he applied a leg-lock that mimicked the motion of the cutting instrument.
   • She performed a series of cross-leg leaps on the balance beam.
   • The wrestler secured his opponent with a classic figure-four hold around the waist.
   • In the diving routine, the cross-legged entry was executed with precision.

• Verbe désignant l’action de couper ou de découper quelque chose avec des ciseaux, ou un mouvement évoquant le fonctionnement de ciseaux.

A verb used to indicate the act of cutting or clipping something with scissors, or moving in a scissor-like motion.

1. Cut with scissorsB1informal

   To cut something using scissors or a similar cutting motion.

   Couper aux ciseaux

   • She scissored the paper into small pieces.
   • He scissored the ribbon to open the ceremony.
   • The tailor scissored the fabric carefully.

   Synonymesclipcutshearsniptrim

2. Move in a crossing motionB2formal

   To move or cause to move in a way that resembles the opening and closing of scissors.

   Se croiser en mouvement de ciseaux

   • The dancer scissored her legs in the air.
   • The gymnast scissored his arms during the routine.
   • The blades scissored together with a sharp sound.

   Synonymescrisscrosscrossinterlaceintersectintertwineweave