verb
scribe
To scratch a line on material as a guide for cutting.
She scribed a straight line across the metal sheet.
Etymology
The writing verb extends to marking a line on a surface. In craft work, the mark guides a later cut rather than representing words.
More examples
- The carpenter scribed the board to fit the uneven wall.
- Use a sharp point to scribe the circle.
- He was scribing a guide mark before cutting.
Forms
scribe · scribes · scribed · scribing
Similar words
- mark
- Mark is general; scribe means make a fine guide line, usually by scratching or tracing.
- engrave
- Engrave cuts a lasting design or text; scribe often prepares a guide for later work.