cutlass

Meaning

Noun

1. A short sword with a curved blade, and a convex edge; once used by sailors when boarding an enemy ship.
2. A similarly shaped tool; a machete.

Verb

To cut back (vegetation) with a cutlass.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈkʌtləs/

Etymology

From Middle French coutelas, from Old French coutel (“knife”) + -as (augmentative suffix).