- [countable]
a machine, originally from France, for cutting people’s heads off. It has a heavy blade that slides down a wooden frame. 断头台(源于法国) He was sent to the guillotine in January 1793. 他于1793年1月被送上断头台。
- (British English) [countable]
a device with a long blade for cutting paper or sheets of metal compare paper cutter裁切机;切纸机 - [singular] (British English,
politics )政治 the setting of a time limit on a debate in Parliament (议会中)规定截止辩论的时限
Word Originlate 18th cent.: from French, named after Joseph-Ignace Guillotin (1738–1814), the French physician who recommended its use for executions in 1789.