pencil sharpener — a device used to sharpen pencils by removing wood and graphite to create a fine point
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a device used to sharpen pencils by removing wood and graphite to create a fine point
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpensəl ˈʃɑːrpənər/
Example Sentences
- I need to buy a new pencil sharpener for the upcoming exam season.
- The teacher's pencil sharpener ate three pencils before breakfast - it was clearly on a diet!
- The pencil sharpener in our classroom is so old, it knew dinosaurs personally.
pencil sharpener
NOUN[/ˈpensəl ˈʃɑːrpənər/]
a device used to sharpen pencils by removing wood and graphite to create a fine point
a device used to sharpen pencils by removing wood and graphite to create a fine point
The carpenter's sharpener crafts precision sharper!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Pencil derives from Latin penicillum, meaning 'small tail' or 'brush,' originally referring to a fine writing instrument. Sharpener is a Germanic compound formed from sharp (Old English scearp, meaning keen or pointed) combined with the verb-forming suffix -en and the agentive suffix -er (one who performs an action), creating a tool that sharpens.
Breakdown
Pencil: Latin penicillum (small brush/tail). Sharpener: sharp (keen, pointed) + -en (verb-forming suffix) + -er (agent noun suffix denoting a tool or device).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“I need to buy a new pencil sharpener for the upcoming exam season.”
“The teacher's pencil sharpener ate three pencils before breakfast - it was clearly on a diet!”
“The pencil sharpener in our classroom is so old, it knew dinosaurs personally.”
“Please don't forget to empty the pencil sharpener when it's full of shavings.”
📚Related Words
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