knife-edge

== English == === Alternative forms === knife edge, knife's edge, knife's-edge === Pronunciation === === Noun === knife-edge (plural knife-edges) (mechanics) A small piece of metal, usually steel, sharpened to an acute edge or angle, and resting on a smooth surface, serving as the fulcrum of a pendulum, scalebeam, or other piece required to oscillate with minimal friction. (figuratively) A precarious balance that could be upset by a very small force in either direction. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: the edge of a knife. ==== Derived terms ==== knife-edge file knife-edge effect ==== Translations ==== === References === “knife-edge”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022. “knife-edge”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.