ax

Pronunciation: /æks/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle
  2. verb chop or split with an ax
  3. verb terminate

Etymology

From Middle English axen, aksen, axien, from Old English ācsian and āxian, showing metathesis from āscian. Ax/aks was common in literary works until about 1600.

In classic literature

Synonyms

axe

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
edge tool
Narrower (hyponyms)
poleax, double-bitted ax, fireman's ax, common ax, ice ax, hatchet

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