noun
spanner
SPAN-er/ˈspænər/
A tool that grips nuts or bolts for turning.
The spanner grips the hexagonal nut on the metal bracket.
Etymology
From spannen, “to fasten or extend,” a spanner was originally a tool for winding a firearm’s spring. The name later came to mean a mechanical wrench.
In context
I'm gonna need to take the mast step out to get this nut off this keelbolt. But first, I'm gonna measure it. You know I was looking for a bigger spanner?
More examples
- Choose a spanner that fits snugly around the bolt head.
- He turns the spanner slowly to tighten the nut.
- The mechanic keeps several sizes of spanners in a drawer.
Forms
spanner · spanners
Similar words
- wrench
- The usual American term for a nut-and-bolt turning tool.