Main Entry: knife

Pronunciation: \ˈnīf\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural knives \ˈnīvz\

1 : any of various instruments used in surgery primarily to sever tissues: as a : a cutting instrument consisting of a sharp blade attached to a handle b : an instrument that cuts by means of an electric current
2 : surgery 3—usually used in the phrase under the knife <went under the knife yesterday> <was afraid of the knife>