noun
wrench
RENCH/rˈɛntʃ/
A tool for gripping and turning nuts, bolts, or pipes.
The wrench grips the nut so it can be turned.
Etymology
Old English wrenc could mean a twisting as well as a trick. The noun later named a forceful twist or turn, then the tool used to grip and turn objects such as nuts and bolts.
In context
A torque wrench is used to apply even pressure to a bolt head, measured in foot-pounds, and they're especially useful around gaskets
More examples
- He selected a larger wrench for the pipe.
- The wrench slipped off the bolt.
- An adjustable wrench lay beside the toolbox.
Forms
wrench · wrenches
Similar words
- spanner
- The usual British equivalent.
- pliers
- Grip objects but are not generally designed to fit nuts precisely.