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DictionarynailPointed fastener
noun / verb

nail

NAYL/neɪl/

A small metal pin driven into material to fasten it.

The steel nail has a flat head and a pointed fastening shaft.

A small steel nail with flat head and pointed shaft beside two wooden boards it fastens.
Etymology
nailOld Englishtapering metal pin

Old English negel already meant a tapering metal pin. The metal fastener and the fingernail share a word history, with 'fingernail' apparently the original meaning.

In context

Albany County Fasteners0:41
Then hammer down the nail. That nail becomes flush with the top and you're done. It's anchored to the concrete. It's a very quick way to fasten plywood to many different surfaces
How to Install Hammer Drive Pin Concrete Masonry Anchors | Fasteners 101

More examples

  • A loose nail sticks out of the fence.
  • We nail the plywood over the broken window.
  • He nailed the trim in place before painting it.

Forms

nail · nails · nailed · nailing

Similar words

tack
A short nail, often used to attach thin materials.
screw
A threaded fastener turned into material rather than hammered.