Definition

A person who buys old or worn-out animals to slaughter them for meat or hides, or someone who purchases discarded buildings to take them apart and sell the materials.

Example

The knacker arrived early in the morning to collect the old horses from the farm.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a knacker?

Yeah, I think they buy old animals for meat or something.

Right! I read that they also dismantle old buildings for materials.

That's interesting! I never knew they did that too.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Knacker originates from the Middle English 'knakere', meaning a person who breaks or cracks. The term is often associated with someone who deals with the remains of dead animals, particularly in the context of rendering fat or processing carcasses.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'breaks' or 'cracks' ('knakere') as a way to remember that a knacker is involved in processing animal remains.

Visually Confused Words