Scissor vs. Scissors — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 29, 2024
"Scissor" refers to the action of cutting or the motion similar to cutting, while "scissors" are a tool consisting of two pivoting blades used for cutting.
Difference Between Scissor and Scissors
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "scissor" is primarily used as a verb within the English language, denoting the action of cutting with scissors or a motion resembling the cutting action of scissors. This can apply in various contexts, from the physical act of cutting something to movements in dance or exercise that mimic the opening and closing action of scissors. On the other hand, "scissors" refers to the cutting tool itself, characterized by two blades joined at a pivot point allowing them to open and close. Scissors are used in a wide range of activities, from crafting and sewing to cooking and gardening, making them a versatile and essential tool in daily life.
Scissors, as a noun, is always plural in form but can refer to a single instrument. This peculiarity in English often leads to confusion, but the word "scissors" encompasses both blades and their collective action as a cutting instrument. Unlike scissors, which specifically describes a tool, the verb "scissor" can be applied more broadly to describe any similar cutting action or motion, not just those performed with a pair of scissors.
In practical use, scissors come in various forms and sizes, tailored to specific tasks. For instance, there are kitchen scissors with robust blades for food preparation, hairdressing scissors with sharp, precise blades for cutting hair, and fabric scissors designed specifically for cutting textiles. The design of scissors has evolved to meet the demands of different materials and uses, optimizing the tool for efficiency and precision in its intended application.
While "scissor" captures the dynamic action or movement reminiscent of the tool's operation, "scissors" are fundamentally about the physical object and its utility. Whether discussing the verb "to scissor" something or referring to the object "scissors" for cutting, both terms highlight the essential nature of cutting as both an action and a tool in human activity.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Verb: to cut or move in a way resembling cutting.
Noun: a tool with two pivoting blades for cutting.
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Usage
Action or movement.
The physical object used in cutting.
Examples
Scissor kicks, scissor movement.
Kitchen scissors, hairdressing scissors.
Form
Singular, used as a verb.
Plural, refers to a single item.
Application
Broadly for actions or movements.
Specifically for the tool itself.
Compare with Definitions
Scissor
Verb: To cut or move like cutting.
The dancer's legs scissored through the air.
Scissors
Cutting instrument.
She used scissors to cut the fabric.
Scissor
Can denote precision or agility.
The fighter jets scissored across the sky in formation.
Scissors
Plural in form but singular in use.
Where are the scissors?
Scissor
Used in sports and exercises.
The swimmer perfected her scissor kick.
Scissors
Comes in various types.
These kitchen scissors are perfect for herbs.
Scissor
Implies a cutting action.
The editor scissored out the unnecessary parts of the text.
Scissors
Essential tool in many fields.
The tailor reached for his scissors.
Scissor
Reflects dynamic movement.
The ribbon scissored smoothly under the skilled hands.
Scissors
Designed for efficiency and precision.
The surgeon's scissors were specially designed for the procedure.
Scissor
To cut or clip with scissors or shears.
Scissors
Scissors are hand-operated shearing tools. A pair of scissors consists of a pair of metal blades pivoted so that the sharpened edges slide against each other when the handles (bows) opposite to the pivot are closed.
Scissor
Scissors (used with a sing. or pl. verb) A cutting implement consisting of two blades joined by a swivel pin that allows the cutting edges to be opened and closed.
Scissors
To cut or clip with scissors or shears.
Scissor
Any of various gymnastic exercises or jumps in which the movement of the legs suggests the opening and closing of scissors.
Scissors
Scissors (used with a sing. or pl. verb) A cutting implement consisting of two blades joined by a swivel pin that allows the cutting edges to be opened and closed.
Scissor
A scissors hold.
Scissors
Any of various gymnastic exercises or jumps in which the movement of the legs suggests the opening and closing of scissors.
Scissor
(rare) One blade on a pair of scissors.
Scissors
A scissors hold.
Scissor
(India) Scissors.
Scissors
A tool used for cutting thin material, consisting of two crossing blades attached at a pivot point in such a way that the blades slide across each other when the handles are closed.
Scissors are used to cut the flowers.
Use scissors to cut them if you don't have proper shears.
Scissor
(noun adjunct) Used in certain noun phrases to denote a thing resembling the action of scissors, as scissor kick, scissor hold (wrestling), scissor jack.
Scissors
A type of defensive maneuver in dogfighting, involving repeatedly turning one's aircraft towards that of the attacker in order to force them to overshoot.
Scissor
(transitive) To cut using, or as if using, scissors.
Scissors
An instance of the above dogfighting maneuver.
Scissor
(transitive) To excise or expunge something from a text.
The erroneous testimony was scissored from the record.
Scissors
An attacking move conducted by two players; the player without the ball runs from one side of the ball carrier, behind the ball carrier, and receives a pass from the ball carrier on the other side.
They executed a perfect scissors.
Scissor
To reproduce (text) as an excerpt, copy.
Scissors
A method of skating with one foot significantly in front of the other.
Scissor
To move something like a pair of scissors, especially the legs.
The runner scissored over the hurdles.
Scissors
An exercise in which the legs are switched back and forth, suggesting the motion of scissors.
Scissor
(skating) To skate with one foot significantly in front of the other.
Scissors
A scissors hold.
Scissor
To cut with scissors or shears; to prepare with the aid of scissors.
Scissors
(rock paper scissors) A hand with the index and middle fingers open (a handshape resembling scissors), that beats paper and loses to rock. It beats lizard and loses to Spock in rock-paper-scissors-lizard-Spock.
Scissor
Cut with or as if with scissors
Scissors
(rare) scissor
Scissors
(transitive) scissor
Scissors
(dated) Cry of anguish or frustration.
Scissors
A cutting instrument resembling shears, but smaller, consisting of two cutting blades with handles, movable on a pin in the center, by which they are held together. Often called a pair of scissors.
Scissors
And edge tool having two crossed pivoting blades
Scissors
A wrestling hold in which you wrap your legs around the opponents body or head and put your feet together and squeeze
Scissors
A gymnastic exercise performed on the pommel horse when the gymnast moves his legs as scissors move
Common Curiosities
Can "scissor" be used as a noun?
Typically, "scissor" is used as a verb in modern English, though "scissor" can appear as a noun in compound forms (e.g., scissor kick).
Can any movement be described as "scissoring"?
While "scissoring" primarily describes movements that mimic the action of cutting with scissors, it's often used for movements resembling the opening and closing of scissors, not all movements qualify.
How do I choose the right scissors for a task?
Choose based on the material you need to cut and the precision required; specialized scissors provide the best results for specific tasks.
Why is "scissors" always in plural form?
"Scissors" is always plural because it refers to a tool consisting of two joined blades; the form reflects this duality.
What's the history of scissors?
Scissors have a long history, evolving over centuries from simple designs to a wide variety of specialized cutting tools we use today.
Are scissors considered a simple machine?
Yes, scissors are considered a simple machine, combining levers (the handles) and wedges (the blades) to multiply force for cutting.
Is there a difference between scissors for left-handed and right-handed users?
Yes, left-handed scissors are designed to be held comfortably and operate effectively with the left hand, differing in the blade arrangement and handle design.
Are all scissors designed the same?
No, scissors are designed in various forms to suit specific tasks, such as cutting fabric, hair, or paper.
Can "scissors" be used to refer to more than one pair?
Yes, though "scissors" is plural in form, it can refer to multiple pairs by specifying quantity, e.g., "three pairs of scissors."
How do I maintain my scissors?
Keep them clean, dry, occasionally oil the pivot point, and sharpen the blades as needed to maintain their cutting efficiency.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
