Pronunciation: [ʃˈiːθləs] (IPA) 
The word "sheathless" is spelled with a "sh" sound followed by "ea" which makes an "ɛ" sound, "th" sound, and "ləs" ending which is pronounced as "lɪs". In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is transcribed as /ʃɛθləs/. This word refers to something that lacks a sheath or cover. It is typically used to describe certain types of knives or tools that do not come with a protective covering.
Sheathless is an adjective used to describe something that is devoid of or lacking a sheath. A sheath is a covering, casing, or protective layer that surrounds or encloses an object, typically used to safeguard or contain it. In the context of the term "sheathless," it refers to the absence or nonexistence of such a sheath.
The term can apply to various objects or concepts. For instance, in the field of biology, sheathless may refer to organisms or anatomical structures that lack a protective covering or sheath. It may describe certain types of plant stems or animal appendages that do not have the usual layers of protective tissue or skin.
In addition to the biological interpretation, sheathless can also be used in a metaphorical sense to describe something that is exposed, vulnerable, or unprotected. For example, it might be used to characterize a person who lacks emotional or psychological defenses, making them vulnerable to emotional harm or negative influences.
Overall, sheathless denotes the absence or lack of a sheath, either in a literal or figurative sense, implying a state of exposure, vulnerability, or incompleteness.
Without a case or covering.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "sheathless" is derived from the combination of two root words: "sheath" and the suffix "-less".
The term "sheath" originated from the Old English word "sceath" or "sceathu", which referred to a covering or a case. This Old English word can be traced back further to the Proto-Germanic word "skētha", meaning a covering or a defense.
The suffix "-less" is a productive suffix in English, added to various root words to indicate the absence or lack of something. It comes from the Old English "-lēas", which itself came from the Proto-Germanic "-lais", meaning without or lacking.
Combining the root word "sheath" with the suffix "-less", the word "sheathless" is formed, meaning without a sheath or lacking a protective covering.
