CLIPPER

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does clipper mean? 

• CLIPPER (noun)
  The noun CLIPPER has 4 senses:

1. (electronics) a nonlinear electronic circuit whose output is limited in amplitude; used to limit the instantaneous amplitude of a waveform (to clip off the peaks of a waveform)

2. a fast sailing ship used in former times

3. shears for cutting grass or shrubbery (often used in the plural)

4. scissors for cutting hair or finger nails (often used in the plural)

  Familiarity information: CLIPPER used as a noun is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CLIPPER (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(electronics) a nonlinear electronic circuit whose output is limited in amplitude; used to limit the instantaneous amplitude of a waveform (to clip off the peaks of a waveform)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

clipper; limiter

Context example:

a limiter introduces amplitude distortion

Hypernyms ("clipper" is a kind of...):

circuit; electric circuit; electrical circuit (an electrical device that provides a path for electrical current to flow)

Domain category:

electronics (the branch of physics that deals with the emission and effects of electrons and with the use of electronic devices)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A fast sailing ship used in former times

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

clipper; clipper ship

Hypernyms ("clipper" is a kind of...):

sailing ship; sailing vessel (a vessel that is powered by the wind; often having several masts)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Shears for cutting grass or shrubbery (often used in the plural)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("clipper" is a kind of...):

shears (large scissors with strong blades)

Derivation:

clip (cultivate, tend, and cut back the growth of)

clip (sever or remove by pinching or snipping)

Sense 4

Meaning:

Scissors for cutting hair or finger nails (often used in the plural)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("clipper" is a kind of...):

pair of scissors; scissors (an edge tool having two crossed pivoting blades)

Derivation:

clip (sever or remove by pinching or snipping)

 Context examples 

The Gloria Scott had been in the Chinese tea trade, but she was an old-fashioned, heavy-bowed, broad-beamed craft, and the new clippers had cut her out.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

At all events, walking me briskly on, I have bought a boat that was for sale—a clipper, Mr. Peggotty says; and so she is—and Mr. Peggotty will be master of her in my absence.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)