noun
nipper
An implement that pinches or cuts.
She uses a pair of nippers to cut the wire.
Etymology
Nipper adds -er to nip, meaning to pinch or bite. The tool-name describes an implement whose jaws perform that pinching or cutting action.
More examples
- Tile nippers help him shape the curved edge.
- A nail nipper trims thick toenails.
- The carpenter grips the nail with nippers and pulls it out.
Forms
nipper · nippers
nip verb — To pinch or bite something sharply.
Similar words
- pliers
- Pliers mainly grip and bend, though some also cut.
- clippers
- Clippers trim material rather than grip or pinch it.