rat-tail file
- noun
- /ˈrætˌteɪl faɪl/
- Specialized
:
lima de cola de rata
- To smooth the edges of the circular opening, use a rat-tail file for precision.
Examples
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There was one photo, they had two pieces of wood with a rat tail file in between it and it's just being exposed to this field effect.
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When shaping the wood for the project, a rat-tail file can help create curved surfaces.
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After drilling the hole, I finished the edges with a rat-tail file to ensure a perfect fit.
Synonyms
54
5.6
A rough tool with sharp teeth used to shape metal or wood
A metal tool with a round shape to smooth or widen holes
Surface Forms
Morphology
rat-tail + file
The compound is descriptive: 'rat-tail' indicates a thin, tapering shape (like a rat's tail) and 'file' denotes the abrasive tool, so together they name a thin, round, tapering file for curves. A B1 learner who knows 'rat', 'tail', and 'file' can readily infer this literal, shape-based meaning.
Etymology
The noun rat-tail file comes from its shape: a thin, round file whose end becomes thin like a rat-tail. Because this shape fits inside small round holes and inner curves, people use it 'to file' those places, so the name explains its use.