What does serrating mean?
Serrating describes the process of cutting or shaping an edge with a succession of sharp, saw-like teeth or notches. It is most often used as the present participle of the verb serrate, especially in descriptions of metalworking, toolmaking, and the preparation of materials such as steel plates. As an adjective, serrating can describe teeth, blades, or edges with this toothed profile. Serrated edges are useful when a tool or animal needs to tear, grip, or saw rather than make a smooth, clean cut; a saw blade is the most familiar example. The word is related to serrated, the more common adjective, and to serration, a noun meaning a series of notches or a serrated formation. Although serrating occurs naturally in technical and descriptive writing, it is less common in everyday speech than serrated. In general, the term evokes the deliberate shaping of a hard material into a toothed edge suited to a particular practical purpose.
To cut or shape something so that it has a series of sharp, saw-like teeth or notches.
"The technician carefully serrated the edge of the metal sheet before shaping it."
Usually used as the present participle serrating; the simple past is serrated.
Having sharp, saw-like teeth or notches along an edge or surface.
"The shark's serrating teeth tore through the bait."
This attributive use is less common than the corresponding adjective serrated.
A serrated edge turns one smooth cut into a chain of tiny bites, helping a blade tear, grip, or saw.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does serrating come from?
Serrating comes from the English verb serrate, which was borrowed from Latin serratus, meaning “saw-toothed.” The Latin adjective in turn derives from serra, the word for a saw. English serrating is the present participle of serrate and also functions attributively as an adjective.
Related word forms
How serrating is actually used
The word is formal and most often encountered as a present participle or adjective. The adjective form is less common in general usage than the more readily understood serrated.
Easily confused with serrating
Serrating describes the action of making teeth or notches, while serrated describes something that already has them.
Serrate is the base verb, whereas serrating is its present participle or an adjective formed from it.