rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryboltThreaded fastener
noun / verb

bolt

BOHLT/bəʊlt/

A metal fastening rod securing parts or an opening.

The steel bolt has a hexagonal head and a threaded shaft.

A single steel hex-head bolt shown diagonally in close-up, with its threaded shaft and blunt end clearly visible.
Etymology
boltOld Englishshort, stout arrow

Old English bolt named a short, stout arrow with a heavy head. The name spread to similarly shaped metal rods, including stout pins for fastening objects together—the sense behind the threaded fastener.

In context

The Efficient Engineer0:48
when the nut is tightened. As it's turned, the threads on the bolt and the nut engage, and rotation of the nut pulls the bolt threads down
The Incredible Strength of Bolted Joints

More examples

  • Tighten each bolt before using the frame.
  • They bolted the shelves to the wall.
  • The gate is bolted from the inside.

Forms

bolt · bolts · bolted · bolting

Similar words

screw
Usually engages directly with material rather than a separate nut.
latch
A fastening catch that may not use a sliding rod.