snið

Snið is an Icelandic noun with several related meanings centered on the idea of a cut, shape, or form. In everyday language it can refer to the way something is cut or the resulting silhouette, such as the cut of a garment or the shape of a carved object. In technical and academic contexts the term often denotes a cross-section or profile of a solid, component, or geometric figure, including longitudinal or sectional views used in design, engineering, and architecture. In textiles and fashion, snið can refer to a sewing pattern or the specific cut used to construct a garment. In medicine, the word may denote an incision or surgical cut.

Etymology and cognates: snið derives from Old Norse sníð and is cognate with related Scandinavian forms such as Danish snit, Norwegian snitt, and Swedish snitt, all sharing the core sense of "cut" or "section." The word has extended senses in Icelandic, allowing both concrete and abstract uses related to shaping and defining forms.

Usage and scope: The exact meaning of snið depends on the field and context. In science and engineering it conveys the idea of a cross-section or profile. In fashion it signals a particular garment cut or pattern. In everyday speech it can describe the appearance or configuration of objects. The term can carry metaphorical senses when speaking about the design, style, or approach of something.

See also: snitt, cross-section, pattern.