verb
whet
WET/wet/
To sharpen the cutting edge of a tool.
She whets the knife on a wet stone.
Etymology
Hwettan meant to sharpen, as an edge is sharpened against stone. Figuratively, whetting interest or appetite makes it keener: physical sharpening becomes the stimulation of desire.
In context
just the smell of the fried noodles is enough to whet his appetite. Old Hu, please try it
More examples
- He whetted the dull blade on a stone.
- Whetting the chisel gives it a sharper edge.
- Whet the pruning knife before cutting any branches.
Forms
whet · whets · whetted · whetting
whetstone noun — A stone used to sharpen cutting tools.
Similar words
- sharpen
- Sharpen is the broader, everyday term for making edges sharper.
- hone
- Hone emphasizes refining an edge through careful, precise sharpening.