cutting
UK[ˈkʌtɪŋ]US[ˈkʌtɪŋ]
n
a piece cut off from a plant that is used to grow a new plant
n
an article or a story that you cut from a newspaper or magazine and keep
n
a narrow open passage that is dug through high ground for a road, railway, or canal
adj
(of remarks) causing emotional pain; unkind
Etymology
the modern english verb 'cut' has a complex and somewhat obscure history. it is not found in old english but appears in middle english, likely borrowed from old norse 'kutta' or from a northern middle english variant of an old english related form. its ultimate origin is uncertain but may be connected to proto-germanic roots. the addition of the suffix '-ing', from old english '-ung' or '-ing', creates a noun denoting the action, result, or material associated with the verb. over time, 'cutting' specialized into several distinct meanings, all retaining the core concept of separation by a sharp instrument—from a piece cut from a plant to a trench cut through land, and metaphorically to remarks that feel sharply unkind.
Analysis
the word 'cutting' is a deverbal noun and adjective formed from the verb 'cut' by adding the suffix '-ing'. the verb 'cut' is of germanic origin.
Examples
she took a cutting from the rose bush to propagate it.
he keeps a scrapbook full of newspaper cuttings about vintage cars.
the train sped through a deep cutting in the hillside.