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1. (physics) a deformation of an object in which parallel planes remain parallel but are shifted in a direction parallel to themselves
   "the shear changed the rectangle into a parallelogram"
    
2. A large edge tool that cuts sheet metal by passing a blade through it

1. Cut with shears
   "shear hedges"
    
2. Shear the wool from
   "shear sheep"
   - fleece
    
3. Cut or cut through with shears
   "shear the wool off the lamb"
    
4. Become deformed by forces tending to produce a shearing strain

Sounds like: sheer, Shia

Derived forms: shearing, sheared, shears

See also: shearer, shearing, shears

Type of: change, clip, crop, cut, cut back, deformation, dress, edge tool, lop, prune, shave, snip, trim

Encyclopedia: Shear