# razor

/ˈɹeɪzɝ/ (US) · /ɹˈeɪzɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/razor
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. shaving tool

noun · CEFR B1

a tool with a very sharp blade used to remove hair from the face or body.

For teachers: a sharp-edged instrument used for shaving hair from the skin.

- He changed the blade on his razor before he started shaving.
- The barber used a traditional straight razor to give the customer a precise and clean shave around the neckline.

### 2. philosophical rule

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic

a rule in thinking that helps you choose the simplest explanation and ignore unlikely ones.

For teachers: a philosophical principle or heuristic that allows for the elimination of unlikely explanations or unnecessary assumptions.

- Occam's razor suggests that the simplest explanation is usually the right one.
- Applying the philosophical razor to the data allowed the researchers to discard several overly complex hypotheses in favour of a more elegant solution.

Usage: Often appears in the names of specific principles, such as 'Occam's razor'.

Teaching tip: This is a high-level academic term; students will most likely encounter it in the phrase 'Occam's razor'.

### 3. to shave

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

to cut hair very close to the skin using a sharp blade.

For teachers: to shave or remove hair using a razor; functions as a transitive verb.

- The stylist razored the ends of her hair to give it a modern look.
- The technician carefully razored the patient's skin to prepare the area for the surgical incision.

## Examples

- We used Occam's razor to solve the mystery.
- Applying the philosophical razor, the detective dismissed the elaborate conspiracy theory in favor of a simpler explanation.
- In scientific discourse, a razor serves as a heuristic device to prune away superfluous assumptions that lack empirical support or logical necessity.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.