Definition
An irregular, uneven, or saw-toothed edge on a piece of metal or other material, typically left by tearing, breaking, rough cutting, or wear. In aviation maintenance, jagged edges are considered defects that must be smoothed or removed because they create stress concentrations from which cracks can grow.
Plain English
A rough, uneven edge — the kind you get when something is torn or broken rather than cut cleanly. On aircraft parts, this kind of edge is a problem and needs to be smoothed out.
Context Anchor
Seen during preflight or maintenance inspections when checking aircraft skin, panels, fairings, propeller blades, or cut metal.
Derivation
From the older English word 'jag,' meaning a sharp projection or notch. A jagged edge is one with many small sharp projections along it — the opposite of a smooth, even edge.
Why Pilots Care
Jagged edges on metal parts are stress risers — points where cracks tend to start and spread. On an airframe, that can turn a small defect into a structural failure. Mechanics file or deburr them to a smooth finish for that reason.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “jagged edge” means only an ugly or rough-looking edge. In an aircraft inspection, it can mean a sharp or notched damage area that may need maintenance attention.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic filed down the jagged edge on the inspection panel before reinstalling it.
Example Sentence 2
The sectional chart showed a jagged edge along the mountain ridge line.