rhizoverbBeta
DictionarywedgeSplitting or holding tool
noun / verb

wedge

WEJ/wedʒ/

A piece narrowing to an edge, used to force things apart or hold them in place.

A steel wedge forces the wood apart in an upright log.

A steel splitting wedge embedded in the top of a short upright log, its broad head and tapering sides visibly forcing the wood apart.
Etymology
wedgeOld Englishwedge

Old English wecg already named the wedge, so the modern tool sense continues an inherited meaning. Its deeper origin is uncertain; no secure older image explains the tool's name.

In context

knivesandtools0:39
the metal wedge is used to break down really big pieces of wood or pieces of wood that have lots of knots in them
The BEST Way To Split Wood Like A Pro: Expert Tips & Techniques

More examples

  • She slides a wooden wedge under the door to hold it open.
  • We drive wedges into the crack to split the log.
  • He wedges his suitcase between two boxes in the trunk.

Forms

wedge · wedges · wedged · wedging

Similar words

shim
A thin piece used to fill gaps or adjust alignment.
chock
A block that prevents movement, especially under a wheel.