switch·blade

[swich-bleyd]
noun
a pocketknife, the blade of which is held by a spring and can be released suddenly, as by pressing a button.
Also called switchblade knife, switch knife.


Origin:
1905–10; switch + blade

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To switchblade
Collins
World English Dictionary
switchblade or switchblade knife (ˈswɪtʃˌbleɪd) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
(US), (Canadian) a knife with a retractable blade that springs out when a button is pressed
 
switchblade knife or switchblade knife
 
n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
00:10
Switchblade is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
a chattering or flighty, light-headed person.
a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.
Example sentences
It is loaded with jokey, exaggerated violence, as when a kick-boxing villain wields a switchblade with his toes.
It includes mild profanity, boxing and a game with a switchblade.
Rinehart discovered a switchblade knife in his pocket.
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