also: とう
noun
sword; katana
Only with reading かたな
Primarily refers to a single-edged Japanese sword. In everyday use, かたな is the standard reading.
侍は腰に刀を差していた。
The samurai wore a sword at his waist.
noun
scalpel
Only with reading とう
Medical term; used in compounds like 手術刀 (しゅじゅつとう).
外科医はメス（手術刀）を使って患部を切開した。
The surgeon used a scalpel to incise the affected area.
noun
Only with reading とう
Used in compounds like 彫刻刀 (ちょうこくとう) for engraving tools.
See also: 彫刻刀 (ちょうこくとう)
版画家は彫刻刀で木版を彫る。
The printmaker carves the woodblock with a chisel.
noun
knife money
Only with reading とう
Historical term for ancient Chinese knife-shaped commodity money; appears in the compound 刀銭 (とうせん).
See also: 刀銭
刀銭は中国古代の青銅貨幣の一種である。
Knife money is a type of bronze currency from ancient China.