sickle

¹sick·le

noun \ˈsi-kəl\

Definition of SICKLE

1

: an agricultural implement consisting of a curved metal blade with a short handle fitted on a tang

2

: the cutting mechanism (as of a reaper, combine, or mower) consisting of a bar with a series of cutting elements

Illustration of SICKLE

Origin of SICKLE

Middle English sikel, from Old English sicol, from Latin secula sickle, from secare to cut — more at saw

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

fallow, graft, heirloom, loam, potash, soilage, swath, tilth, windfall

Rhymes with SICKLE

brickle, chicle, fickle, mickle, nickel, pickle, prickle, stickle, tical, tickle, trickle

²sickle

adjective

Definition of SICKLE

: having the form of a sickle blade : having a curve similar to that of a sickle blade <the sickle moon>

First Known Use of SICKLE

1688

Rhymes with SICKLE

mickle, pickle, prickle, tickle, trickle

³sickle

verb

sick·ledsick·ling \ˈsi-k(ə-)liŋ\

Definition of SICKLE

transitive verb

1

: to mow or reap with a sickle

2

: to change (a red blood cell) into a sickle cell

intransitive verb

: to change into a sickle cell <the ability of red blood cells to sickle>

First Known Use of SICKLE

1922