scissorlike

Like cutting shears

Scissorlike describes something resembling scissors in form or action—typically two parts that cross, pivot, or move against each other in a cutting or pinching motion: a scissorlike grip, the scissorlike movement of her legs as she swam.

The word emphasizes the crossing or shearing quality rather than actual cutting ability.

cutting

snip

Small quick cut

clipCut or attach
trimRemove unwanted edges
slicePortion cut off

shear · sever · incise · slit · bisect · cleave · snipping · clipping · trimming · pruning

motion

opening

Gap or start

closingFinal stage of something
crossingPoint where paths intersect
pivotingRotating around fixed point

hinged · articulated · opposed · converging · diverging · crisscross · interlocking · reciprocating · gripping · clamping

shape

crossed

Went from side to side

X-shapedResembling crossed lines
hingedConnected by pivot joint
jointedHaving flexible connections

bladed · pivoted · opposed · angular · symmetrical · bilateral · twinned · mirrored · forked · bifurcated

Opposites

motion mechanics

scissorlikeparallel

Equidistant at all points

linear · straight · chopping · unified · stamping

blade/edge configuration

scissorlikewedge-like

Triangular in cross-section

structural configuration

scissorlikehinged

Connected by pivot joint

fixed · rigid · aligned

Family

decision, precise, scissors, excise, rescind, concise, scissor, incision, excision

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G