noun
plumb
A weight suspended on a line to check vertical alignment or depth.
The mason hangs a plumb beside the wall to check its alignment.
Etymology
The Latin word names lead, the metal traditionally used for the suspended weight. The material-name became the name of the measuring weight itself.
More examples
- She waits for the plumb to stop swinging before taking a reading.
- A plumb on a marked line helps measure the well's depth.
- The toolbox holds two brass plumbs and a spool of string.
Forms
plumb · plumbs
Similar words
- plumb bob
- Specifically names the weight used to check vertical alignment.
- plummet
- Also names a suspended measuring weight, but is less common.