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Glite Dictionary
screw key

screw key

5.5
A small tool that fits into a screw head to turn it
  • noun
  • /skruː kiː/
  • Specialized
translation icon : llave de tornillo
  • He reached into his toolbox and pulled out a screw key to tighten the hinge.

Examples

  • The mechanic replaced the lost screw key before continuing his work.

  • Old pianos often require a special screw key to adjust their internal components.

  • I need a screw key to fix the cabinet.

  • The screw keys are in the toolbox.

  • He reached into his toolbox and pulled out a screw key to tighten the hinge.

  • Old pianos often require a special screw key to adjust their internal components.

  • The mechanic replaced the lost screw key before continuing his work.

Synonyms

screwdriver
vsscrew key
68 1.0

A tool with a handle and metal tip for turning screws

is a wrench style tool that fits into screw heads or slots rather than a shafted tool
Allen wrench
vsscrew key
  • US
2 4.1

A small L-shaped tool with a six-sided end used to turn bolts with six-sided holes

is the general wrench type for turning screws, not limited to one shape
Phillips screwdriver
vsscrew key
  • Specialized
1 3.0

A hand tool with a cross-shaped tip used to turn screws with a cross slot

is the general wrench category used for many screw head types
hex key
vsscrew key
  • Specialized
1 4.2

A small L-shaped tool used to turn screws with a six-sided hole

is a general turning tool that can include this L shaped form
ratchet screwdriver
vsscrew key
1 5.3

A tool that turns screws one way when you press down, without lifting the tool

is the simpler wrench style tool without a directional ratchet mechanism
Allen key
vsscrew key
  • UK
4.7

A small L-shaped metal tool used to turn bolts and screws with six-sided holes

is the broader wrench category rather than this specific hex form
Inbus wrench
vsscrew key
  • Specialized
7.9

A small metal tool with a six-sided bar for turning screws with matching holes

is the wider wrench type, not the specific industrial name or brand

Surface Forms

screw key singular
screw keys plural

Morphology

screw + key

The noun-noun compound 'screw key' is compositionally regular: a B1 learner who knows 'screw' (a fastener) and 'key' (a tool or device used to turn/operate something) can infer it denotes a key/tool for screws. The modifier pattern (Noun + Noun) that yields 'X for Y' is productive and cross-linguistically common, so the meaning is directly derivable from the constituents.

Etymology

The tool screw key is named like a small key for a screw: picture a key that fits into the top of a screw so you can 'turn' it. That's why the name means a small tool used to 'turn' or tighten screws.