Transcription
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
-
- [jak nahyf]
- /dʒæk naɪf/
- /dʒæk naɪf/
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [jak nahyf]
- /dʒæk naɪf/
Definitions of jack-knife word
- noun plural jack-knife a large pocketknife. 1
- noun plural jack-knife Fancy Diving. a dive in which the diver bends in midair to touch the toes, keeping the legs straight, and then straightens out. 1
- verb without object jack-knife to bend or double over like a jackknife: The prizefighter jackknifed and fell when he was hit in the stomach. 1
- verb without object jack-knife (of a trailer truck) to have the cab and trailer swivel at the linkage until they form a V shape, as the result of an abrupt stop or accident. 1
- verb without object jack-knife (in diving) to perform a jackknife. 1
- verb without object jack-knife to move rapidly at an abrupt angle. 1
Information block about the term
Origin of jack-knife
First appearance:
before 1705 One of the 50% oldest English words
1705-15, Americanism; jack1 (cf. jockteleg) + knife
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Jack-knife
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
jack-knife popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 70% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
According to our data most of word are more popular. This word is almost not used. It has a much more popular synonym.
See also
Matching words
- Words starting with j
- Words starting with ja
- Words starting with jac
- Words starting with jack
- Words starting with jackk
- Words starting with jackkn
- Words starting with jackkni
- Words starting with jackknif
- Words starting with jackknife