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Cuts: meaning, definitions and examples

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cuts

 

[kʌts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

physical injury

Cuts refer to injuries that break the skin, often resulting in bleeding, pain, and the potential for infection. They can vary in depth and size and are usually treated with cleaning and bandaging.

Synonyms

gashes, lacerations, wounds.

Examples of usage

  • I got some cuts on my hand while cooking.
  • The cuts from the barbed wire still sting.
  • He suffered many cuts during the game.
  • The doctor examined the cuts on her leg.
Context #2 | Verb

to sever

To cut means to divide or separate something using a sharp tool or instrument. This action can be applied to various materials, including paper, fabric, and food.

Synonyms

chop, sever, slice.

Examples of usage

  • She cuts the paper into small pieces.
  • He cuts his hair every month.
  • Please cut the cake into equal slices.
  • The chef cuts vegetables for the salad.
Context #3 | Noun

reduction

Cuts can also refer to reductions made in budgets, costs, or resources. This term is commonly used in financial and corporate contexts to denote lessening expenses or allocations.

Synonyms

decreases, reductions, trims.

Examples of usage

  • The company announced cuts in its budget.
  • Due to the economic downturn, there will be cuts in staff.
  • They made cuts to the project funding.
  • Budget cuts affected the quality of the services.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'cut' comes from the Old English 'cyttan,' meaning to separate or divide.
  • In Middle English, the term was used to describe making a division in a material, which has evolved into its modern meanings.

History

  • The use of sharp tools for cutting dates back to prehistoric times when humans used stones for various tasks.
  • During the Middle Ages, skilled craftsmen developed various cutting techniques for fabric and leather, which influenced later trades.

Medicine

  • Cuts can vary in severity, with superficial cuts usually being minor, while deeper cuts may require medical attention.
  • Infection is a significant risk with cuts; proper cleaning and care are vital to prevent complications.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'cut to the chase' indicates skipping to the most important part of a story or film, emphasizing efficiency in storytelling.
  • In film editing, 'cuts' refer to transitions between scenes, a crucial element in storytelling that affects pacing.

Art

  • Artists use 'cut' techniques in paper art, such as silhouette cutting and paper quilling, showcasing creativity through precision.
  • In the realm of printmaking, cut techniques such as linocut or woodcut involve carving into materials to create images.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,956, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.