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Shear - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Shear means to cut or trim something, especially with scissors or shears. It can also refer to the force that causes layers or parts to slide past each other, like in geology or engineering.

shear

/ʃɪr/ /ʃɪə/

Definition:

To cut or remove something, especially wool or hair, with scissors or shears.

Synonyms:

clip, trim, cut, shave

Part of Speech:

verb, noun

Antonyms:

attach, join

Common Collocations:

shear sheep, shear wool, shear strength

Derivatives:

shearing, sheared

Usage Tips:

Use "shear" for cutting wool or hair; avoid confusion with "sheer" (transparent or steep).

Common Phrases:

shear off, shear a sheep, shear through metal

Etymology:

From Old English "sceran," meaning to cut or divide.

Examples:

  • 1. The farmer will shear the sheep tomorrow.
  • 2. She used scissors to shear the tangled yarn.
  • 3. The engineer tested the material’s shear strength.
  • 4. Strong winds can shear tree branches easily.

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