English Dictionary |
JACKKNIFE (jackknives)
Pronunciation (US): | ![]() | (GB): | ![]() |
Dictionary entry overview: What does jackknife mean?
• JACKKNIFE (noun)
The noun JACKKNIFE has 2 senses:
1. a large knife with one or more folding blades
2. a dive in which the diver bends to touch the ankles before straightening out
Familiarity information: JACKKNIFE used as a noun is rare.
• JACKKNIFE (verb)
The verb JACKKNIFE has 1 sense:
1. dive into the water bending the body at the waist at a right angle, like a jackknife
Familiarity information: JACKKNIFE used as a verb is very rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
A large knife with one or more folding blades
Classified under:
Nouns denoting man-made objects
Synonyms:
clasp knife; jackknife
Hypernyms ("jackknife" is a kind of...):
pocket knife; pocketknife (a knife with a blade that folds into the handle; suitable for carrying in the pocket)
Sense 2
Meaning:
A dive in which the diver bends to touch the ankles before straightening out
Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions
Hypernyms ("jackknife" is a kind of...):
dive; diving (a headlong plunge into water)
Derivation:
jackknife (dive into the water bending the body at the waist at a right angle, like a jackknife)
Conjugation: |




Past simple: jackknifed


Past participle: jackknifed


-ing form: jackknifing


Sense 1
Meaning:
Dive into the water bending the body at the waist at a right angle, like a jackknife
Classified under:
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming
Hypernyms (to "jackknife" is one way to...):
dive (plunge into water)
Domain category:
athletics; sport (an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s
Somebody ----s PP
Derivation:
jackknife (a dive in which the diver bends to touch the ankles before straightening out)
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