lock washer
- noun
- Specialized
:
arandela de bloqueo
- To prevent the nut from loosening, always use a lock washer when assembling machine parts.
- lock washer under each nut
Examples
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I need a lock washer for this project.
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The assembly instructions specified that each nut should have a lock washer beneath it to ensure a secure fit.
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Be sure to include a lock washer when assembling the parts to ensure a tighter fit.
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The mechanic used a lock washer to secure the bolt and prevent it from loosening over time.
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Without a lock washer, the vibrations caused the nuts to loosen and fall off.
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The lock washers help to secure the bolts.
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For added stability, install a lock washer under every nut whenever you work with mechanical fastenings.
Synonyms
A thin metal ring that keeps a nut from coming loose
A small round ring that keeps a nut from coming loose
How Secure
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a washer designed to prevent a nut from loosening' is directly derivable from combining 'lock' (to secure/prevent movement) with 'washer' (a small ring used in fastening). This noun–noun compounding follows a common English pattern (a washer that locks), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the intended function.
Etymology
Lock washer: The name lock washer comes from the object's job: a small metal washer made so it can lock a nut in place by gripping or pressing it so the nut cannot turn. That's why a lock washer today means a washer used to 'prevent' a nut from 'loosening'.