culter
[ˈkʊɫ.tɛr]masculine
The Latin word for knife is culter.
culter refers to a utensil or tool designed for cutting.
Meaning: utensil or tool designed for cutting (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word scalpellum means small knife in Latin.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form culter is the nominative singular, which is used when the knife is the subject of a sentence. To indicate possession or to say 'of the knife', use the genitive singular form cultri. For the plural forms in the accusative or ablative cases, use cultris.
Did you know?
- In Roman culture, the culter was not just a kitchen tool but a ritual object used in sacrifices to slay the animal victims.
- In Latin, the word for a small knife, scalpellum, is the ancestor of the modern English word 'scalpel'.
- The English word 'culture' and the Latin culter are not direct relatives, even though they sound similar.
Examples in context
- Culter tuus non est.That is not your knife.This sentence shows how to negate possession of the culter.Tatoeba #1288585 by alexmarcelo, translation #42814 by CC
- Culter mihi opus est.I need a knife.This sentence demonstrates how to express a need for the culter.Tatoeba #8889966 by alexmarcelo, translation #693874 by Riskemulo
- Estne culter in culina?Is there a knife in the kitchen?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of the culter.Tatoeba #1832205 by alexmarcelo, translation #275407 by CK
- Culter acuendus estThe knife needs to be sharpened.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucia and Lucius are preparing a meal in the kitchen.
- LuciaUbi est culter?Where is the knife?
- LuciusCulter hic est.The knife is here.
- LuciaCulter valde acutus est.The knife is very sharp.
- LuciusCave, Lucia.Be careful, Lucia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “knife” translations and entries culter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
