buzz saw

noun

1. a power-operated circular saw, so named because of the noise it makes.

buzz saw

noun

1. a power-operated circular saw

Word History and Origins

Origin of buzz saw¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

The Bruins were a buzz saw through the season’s opening weeks, winning their first four games — including back-to-back-to-back road victories over Wisconsin, Michigan and Colorado.

From Los Angeles Times

Shortly afterward, he learns that his cleaner’s husband has sliced off two fingers with his buzz saw.

From Los Angeles Times

“This is not a matter of an employer refusing to guard a frequently used buzz saw or otherwise rejecting fall protection for workers at dangerous heights,” Amazon wrote in court records.

From Seattle Times

Along the way, however, DeSantis keeps running into a judicial buzz saw.

From Los Angeles Times

Jackson cut through the surrounding flash like a buzz saw, throwing herself against the wall of old age and mortality until it seemed to crumble into unanswerable darkness.

From New York Times