DictionaryworkShaping material
verb

work

To shape or process material.

The potter works the clay into a shallow bowl.

Etymology

The general activity-word developed a verb for applying effort to material. Working metal or dough shapes or processes it through that effort.

More examples

  • Work the butter into the flour.
  • She works silver into delicate rings.
  • He worked the leather until it softened.

Forms

work · works · worked · working

Similar words

shape
Specifically means giving material a particular form.