sheer
Sheer is a polysemous English word with several distinct senses, used as an adjective in multiple ways and, in specialized contexts, as a nautical noun or verb. It is not a homonym of shear, the related verb meaning to cut or clip, though the two terms are sometimes confused in casual speech.
As an adjective, sheer commonly describes transparency or thinness when applied to fabrics and materials. A
As an intensifier, sheer serves as a degree modifier meaning complete or absolute. Phrases such as sheer
A third adjective sense describes steepness or verticality. A sheer cliff or a sheer drop denotes a
In nautical and maritime terminology, sheer has two related uses. The sheer of a vessel refers to
Usage note: the adjective sense of sheer is unrelated to the verb sense of shear (to cut).