noun
katana (sword worn edge up by samurai)
Refers specifically to the long sword worn thrust through the sash with the cutting edge facing upward, as opposed to the older tachi style worn edge down.
See also: 刀
侍は腰に打刀を差していた。
The samurai wore a katana at his hip.
打刀は、刃を上に向けて帯に差すのが特徴だ。
A katana is characterized by being worn thrust through the sash with the cutting edge facing up.
打刀 literally means 'striking sword'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term distinguishes this style of wearing and using the sword from earlier tachi.