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Chisel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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chisel

[ˈtʃɪzəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

carpentry

A tool with a long metal blade for shaping wood, stone, or metal.

Synonyms

adze, gouge, mallet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chisel

A chisel is used for detailed wood or stone carving, sculpting, and cutting. It's a versatile tool essential for precision work.

  • The sculptor used a small chisel to add fine details to the statue.
  • He carefully chiseled away the excess wood to reveal the intricate design.
gouge

A gouge, a type of chisel with a curved blade, is used in woodworking and carving to create hollows, curves, or grooves in the material.

  • The woodworker used a gouge to carve out a bowl from the block of wood.
  • She skillfully gouged a decorative groove along the edge of the chair.
adze

An adze is typically used in woodworking or carpentry for shaping and smoothing wood. It has a long handle and a thin, arched blade, making it suitable for rough hewing.

  • The carpenter used an adze to shape the beam for the roof.
  • With a few swings of the adze, the log starts to take the form of a flat surface.
mallet

A mallet is a hammer-like tool with a wooden or rubber head, used for striking chisels or for adjusting and assembling wooden pieces without damaging them.

  • The carpenter tapped the chisel with the mallet to carve the wood.
  • Using a mallet, he gently adjusted the position of the joinery without leaving any marks.

Examples of usage

  • The carpenter used a chisel to carve intricate designs into the wooden table.
  • She carefully sharpened the chisel before starting to work on the sculpture.
Context #2 | Verb

sculpting

To shape or carve with a chisel.

Synonyms

carve, engrave, sculpt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chisel

Typically used when talking about shaping or cutting a material using a chisel tool, often referring to detailed or finer work on wood or stone.

  • He used a chisel to shape the intricate details on the wooden frame
carve

Commonly used to describe cutting something into a specific shape, often for artistic or practical purposes. It can apply to a variety of materials such as wood, stone, or even food.

  • She decided to carve a pumpkin for Halloween
sculpt

Usually refers to creating three-dimensional art by shaping material such as clay, stone, or metal. It often implies a more artistic or expressive form of creation.

  • The artist took months to sculpt the marble statue
engrave

Used when talking about cutting or etching a design, text, or pattern onto the surface of a material, typically metal, wood, or glass.

  • The jeweler will engrave your initials on the inside of the ring

Examples of usage

  • He chiseled away at the marble block until a beautiful statue emerged.
  • The artist chiseled the details of the face with great precision.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Usage

  • In ancient Egypt, chisels made of copper were used to create intricate hieroglyphs in stone.
  • During the Renaissance, artists like Michelangelo relied heavily on chisels to carve famous works from blocks of marble.
  • Chiseling techniques varied by culture, with different materials and styles used in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Art and Craft

  • Chisels can be used to create detailed sculptures, including busts, figurines, and reliefs.
  • Woodworkers often use chisels for joinery, which is how they fit different pieces of wood together.
  • In stone carving, the use of different types of chisels allows for a range of textures and finishes on the surface.

Modern Technology

  • With the advent of modern materials, chisels have evolved to be made from steel and even carbide for improved durability.
  • Power tools like routers and CNC machines now sometimes replace traditional chisels in industrial settings for efficiency.
  • Chiseling remains an important skill in crafting handmade furniture and unique art pieces in the maker movement.

Origin of 'chisel'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'chisel' comes from the Old French term 'cisel', which means to cut or carve.
  • The Latin word 'caesulare', meaning 'to cut', is also a root of the term, reflecting its function as a cutting tool.
  • Chiseling has been a recognized craft since ancient times, with tools found dating back to the Stone Age.

The word 'chisel' originated from the Old French 'cisel', which came from the Latin 'cisellum' meaning 'cutting tool'. Chisels have been used by craftsmen for centuries to shape and carve various materials such as wood, stone, and metal. The design and function of chisels have evolved over time, but they remain essential tools in carpentry, sculpting, and other trades.

See also: chiseling.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,734, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.