Get the FREE one-click dictionary software for Windows
or the iPhone/iPad and Android apps
Noun: jackknife (jackknives)  'jak,nIf
  1. A large knife with one or more folding blades
    "He pulled out his jackknife to cut the rope";
    - clasp knife
     
  2. A dive in which the diver bends to touch the ankles before straightening out
    "His jackknife dive impressed the judges"
Verb: jackknife  'jak,nIf
  1. (sport) dive into the water bending the body at the waist at a right angle, like a jackknife
    "The diver jackknifed off the high board"

Derived forms: jackknives, jackknifing, jackknifed, jackknifes

Type of: dive, pocket knife, pocketknife

Encyclopedia: Jackknife