nutcracker

nutcracker Definition

nut·cracker (nut′krak′ər)

noun

an instrument for cracking the shells of nuts, usually consisting of two hinged metal levers, between which the nut is squeezed
either of two jaylike corvid birds that feed on nuts; specif., a white-spotted, dark-brown European bird (Nucifraga caryocatactes) or the grayish Clark's nutcracker (N. columbiana) of W North America

nutcracker Usage Examples

Converse of object

entitle: Matthew Bourne's interpretation will be showing at Sadlers Wells entitled Nutcracker!
perform: Paraphernalia Puppets performed The Nutcracker on December 8 th.
see: He's now coming to see the Nutcracker with me in December!
give: On Christmas Eve Clara is overjoyed when she is given a nutcracker in the shape of a wooden soldier.
use: Twist the claws from its body, then use a nutcracker to open each claw.
dance: This year, predictably, both the Royal Ballet and the English National Ballet are dancing the Nutcracker.

Adjective modifier

Modifies a noun

doll: Clara and Fritz's godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer, arrives and gives a Nutcracker doll to Clara.
production: As you may know by now, ENB have commissioned me to choreograph their next Nutcracker production.
prince: Clara frees the nutcracker prince from his spell and helps him to defeat the mice that have overrun his kingdom.

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