spanner
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Pronunciation
- (UK) enPR: spăn'ə(r), IPA: /ˈspæn.ə(ɹ)/, SAMPA: /"sp{n.@(r\)/
- (US) enPR: spăn'ər, IPA: /ˈspæn.ɚ/, SAMPA: /"sp{n.@`/
- Audio (US)help, file
- Rhymes: -ænə(r)
[edit] Etymology
[edit] Noun
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Singular |
Plural |
spanner (plural spanners)
- (British) A hand tool for adjusting nuts and bolts.
- Pass me that spanner, Jake; there's just one more nut to screw in.
- (Weapon) A hand tool shaped like a small crank handle, for winding the spring of a wheel lock on a musket.
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- 1786, Fig. 10. The spanner for spanning or winding up the spring of the wheel lock. — Francis Grose, A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, page xvi.
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- (idiomatic) (UK) A problem, dilemma or obstacle; something unexpected or troublesome
- Half way through the production of Macbeth, the director found that the stage was smaller than he expected. This really threw a spanner in the works.
- (British, mildly derogatory) A stupid or unintelligent person; one prone to making mistakes, especially in language.
[edit] Synonyms
- wrench (US)
[edit] Translations
hand tool for adjusting nuts and bolts
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- The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables, removing any numbers. Numbers do not necessarily match those in definitions. See instructions at Help:How to check translations.
[edit] Related terms
[edit] Anagrams
- Anagrams of aennprs
- panners