kerf
noun
ˈkərf 
1
: a slit or notch made by a saw or cutting torch
2
: the width of cut made by a saw or cutting torch
Synonyms
- chip
- hack
- indent
- indentation
- indenture
- nick
- notch
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
with a handsaw I made a kerf in the board to mark where I needed to cut
Recent Examples on the Web This reduces bowing and creates a thinner kerf, making pull saws ideal for joints and other fine woodwork. 
Pierre Tardif, WSJ, 3 June 2021 Begin by ripping and crosscutting the shelves, the sides, the bottom and the top panel from red-oak plywood with a 40-tooth thin-kerf blade in a circular saw. Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 26 Sep. 2020 The thin-kerf chain (its teeth are 3/32-inch wide) zips through each cut with smoothness and precision. Roy Berendson, Popular Mechanics, 18 Mar. 2020
Pierre Tardif, WSJ, 3 June 2021 Begin by ripping and crosscutting the shelves, the sides, the bottom and the top panel from red-oak plywood with a 40-tooth thin-kerf blade in a circular saw. Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 26 Sep. 2020 The thin-kerf chain (its teeth are 3/32-inch wide) zips through each cut with smoothness and precision. Roy Berendson, Popular Mechanics, 18 Mar. 2020 Word History
Etymology
Middle English, action of cutting, from Old English cyrf; akin to Old English ceorfan to carve — more at carve
First Known Use
1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1
kerf
noun
as in slit
a V-shaped cut usually on an edge or a surface with a handsaw I made a kerf in the board to mark where I needed to cut Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- slit
- chip
- groove
- indent
- slot
- indentation
- nick
- nock
- hack
- notch
- indenture
- punch
- undercut
- joggle
- score
- snip