dead-smooth

[ ded-smooth ]

adjective

1. noting a double-cut metal file having the minimum commercial grade of coarseness.
2. extremely smooth.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dead-smooth¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

For very fine finishing a still finer cut, called the dead-smooth, is made, being like the smooth, but considerably finer.

From Project Gutenberg

The smaller sizes are not unfrequently smooth or dead-smooth, and are used in machine shops quite generally for filing interval angles more acute than the rectangle, clearing out square corners, sharpening cutters, &c.

From Project Gutenberg

To thoroughly test this, take a new dead-smooth file and apply its corner edge under heavy pressure to the work on an edge where the fancy colours are, and then on an edge where the surface is white, and the latter will be found to be the hardest as well as hardened the deepest.

From Project Gutenberg

The tool marks are then erased with a fine smooth file, and these file marks by a dead-smooth file, the work rotating at a quick speed, little metal being left, so as to file as little as possible.

From Project Gutenberg

"And here comes the very man we must all consult," he added, as the agent appeared, a taking figure in his wrinkled riding breeches, and with his spurs trailing on the dead-smooth flags.

From Project Gutenberg