spanner

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Pronunciation 1.2 Etymology 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.3.2 Translations 1.3.3 Related terms 1.4 Anagrams

[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

to span + -er

[edit] Noun

Wikipedia

spanner (plural spanners)

1. (British) A hand tool for adjusting nuts and bolts.

   Pass me that spanner, Jake; there's just one more nut to screw in.

2. (Weapon) A hand tool shaped like a small crank handle, for winding the spring of a wheel lock on a musket.

   • 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.

3. (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.

4. (British, mildly derogatory) A stupid or unintelligent person; one prone to making mistakes, especially in language.

   You spanner, Rodney! I wanted a Chinese, not an Indian!

[edit] Synonyms

• wrench (US)

[edit] Translations

• French: clef à écrous f.
• Maltese: spaner m.
• Romanian: cheie fixa

[edit] Related terms

• adjustable spanner
• spanner barb
• throw a spanner in the works

[edit] Anagrams

• Anagrams of aennprs
• panners