kerf

noun

ˈkərf 

1

: a slit or notch made by a saw or cutting torch

2

: the width of cut made by a saw or cutting torch

Synonyms

• chip
• hack
• indent
• indentation
• indenture
• nick
• notch

Example Sentences

with a handsaw I made a kerf in the board to mark where I needed to cut

Recent Examples on the Web

This reduces bowing and creates a thinner kerf, making pull saws ideal for joints and other fine woodwork. —Pierre Tardif, WSJ, 3 June 2021

Begin by ripping and crosscutting the shelves, the sides, the bottom and the top panel from red-oak plywood with a 40-tooth thin-kerf blade in a circular saw. —Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 26 Sep. 2020

The thin-kerf chain (its teeth are 3/32-inch wide) zips through each cut with smoothness and precision. —Roy Berendson, Popular Mechanics, 18 Mar. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, action of cutting, from Old English cyrf; akin to Old English ceorfan to carve — more at carve

First Known Use

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

kerf

noun

ˈkərf 

: a slit or notch made by a saw or a cutting torch