slash

1. A swift, broad cutting stroke, especially one made with an edged weapon or whip. · A slash of his blade just missed my ear.
2. A wide striking motion made with an implement such as a cricket bat, hockey stick, or lacrosse stick. · He took a wild slash at the ball but the captain saved the team's skin by hacking it clear and setting up the team for a strike on the goal.
3. A sharp reduction in resources allotted. (figuratively) · After the war ended, the army saw a 50% slash in their operating budget.
4. A deep cut or laceration, as made by an edged weapon or whip. · He was bleeding from a slash across his cheek.
5. A deep taper-pointed incision in a plant.
6. A slit in an outer garment, usually exposing a lining or inner garment of a contrasting color or design.
7. A clearing in a forest, particularly one made by logging, fire, or other violent action. (US)
8. The slash mark: the punctuation mark ⟨/⟩.

Plural slashes