Axhead

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A heavy metallic part that is usually connected to a wooden or metal handle for the purpose of cutting or splitting various materials
2. The sharpened, typically heavy end of a tool that is secured to a shaft for activities such as chopping wood or clearing obstacles
3. An implement component, usually made of metal, that attaches to a handle and is designed for cutting, splitting, or striking various substances

Etymology: "Axhead" is a plain compound: the noun "ax" joined to the noun "head," with the sense of the head being the striking metal part of the tool. Both elements are ancient English words, so the compound describes the thing in the most literal way possible, the head of an ax as opposed to its handle. The word "ax" is itself a useful companion here. Its spelling in American English is the one this compound follows, while British English tends to write "axe," so the same tool name appears in two forms depending on where you read it. Whichever spelling is used, the compound works the same way, naming the business end of the tool.

Synonyms: axehead