razor

[ rey-zer ]

noun

1. a sharp-edged instrument used especially for shaving the face or trimming the hair.
2. an electrically powered instrument used for the same purpose.

verb (used with object)

1. to shave, cut, or remove with or as if with a razor.

razor

/ ˈreɪzə /

noun

1. a sharp implement used esp by men for shaving the face
2. on a razor's edge
   on a razor's edgeon a razor-edge in an acute dilemma

verb

1. tr to cut or shave with a razor

Other Words From

• razor·less adjective
• un·razored adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of razor¹

1250–1300; Middle English rasour < Old French rasor, equivalent to ras ( er ) to raze + -or -or ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of razor¹

C13: from Old French raseor , from raser to shave; see raze

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on the razor's edge, in a difficult or precarious position.

More idioms and phrases containing razor

see sharp as a tack (razor) .

Example Sentences

Precision trimmers will have additional blades that can be added to the razor head.

From Popular-Science

This razor gives the closest, smoothest shave I’ve ever experienced, and I love that the automatic shipments give me one less thing to worry about, especially during a year when my brain is maxed out.

From Fortune

Waterproof electric razors are particularly great if you’re not ready to give up wet shaves.

From Popular-Science

Around every corner was a well for a child to fall into or an apple with a razor blade in it.

From Eater

It’s not the first time Young has had to send out updates encouraging customers to be patient — it’s taken longer than usual this year for the company to get shipments of its razors, which are manufactured in Germany.

From Digiday

Their jagged edges and razor sharp teeth make you stand a little further back then normal.

From The Daily Beast

Many of the so-called “razor-close” races in key states were never truly competitive.

From The Daily Beast

But as soon as she pressed the razor blade against her neck, the guard lowered the gun.

From The Daily Beast

Factors like these are especially hard on restaurants, which tend to operate on razor-thin profit margins.

From The Daily Beast

We stood on the rooftop of a derelict farmhouse meters away from a Turkish tank and a razor wire fence marking the end of Turkey.

From The Daily Beast

The cigar store had a counter display of a bargain buy of razor blades combined with some unknown brand of shaving cream.

From Project Gutenberg

Taking the precaution to remove his razor, Lillyston locked the door upon him, and determined at once to get medical advice.

From Project Gutenberg

There are attacks that may be cured by the razor-strop or a bucket of cold water, but these are exceptional.

From Project Gutenberg

The little fellow watched him closely during the process, and noticed where the man put his razor and brush.

From Project Gutenberg

"Be sure and don't cut my head off," murmured the orphan, as he watched the razor flashing to and fro along the strop.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• blade
• knife
• shaver