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Glite Dictionary
screw wrench

screw wrench

3.8
A tool with one movable jaw that you move by turning a screw to hold nuts or bolts
  • noun
  • /skruː rɛntʃ/
translation icon : llave ajustable
  • A screw wrench is useful because it can be adjusted to fit different bolt sizes.

Examples

  • He reached into his toolbox and pulled out a screw wrench to loosen the pipe fitting.

  • The mechanic recommended using a screw wrench for the plumbing job.

  • I need a screw wrench to fix this pipe.

  • Can you hand me the screw wrench?

  • A screw wrench is useful because it can be adjusted to fit different bolt sizes.

  • He reached into his toolbox and pulled out a screw wrench to loosen the pipe fitting.

  • The mechanic recommended using a screw wrench for the plumbing job.

Synonyms

wrench
vsscrew wrench
  • US
60 2.5

A hand tool with a shaped opening that grips and turns nuts and bolts

is a specific adjustable type that alters jaw width with a screw
monkey wrench
vsscrew wrench
  • US
2 3.0

A tool with one fixed and one movable jaw that grips and turns bolts

changes jaw position by turning a screw for size adjustment
crescent wrench
vsscrew wrench
  • US
1 3.8

A metal tool with a movable jaw for holding and turning nuts and bolts

adjusts jaw width by turning a screw to fit various fasteners
adjustable wrench
vsscrew wrench
  • US
1 3.0

A tool with a movable jaw that fits different sizes of nuts and bolts

moves its jaw by turning a screw for precise adjustment
adjustable spanner
vsscrew wrench
  • UK
3.5

A tool with a movable jaw that fits nuts and bolts of different sizes

moves its jaw by turning a screw for precise adjustment

How Adjustable

screw wrench
3.8

Surface Forms

screw wrench singular
screw wrenches plural

Morphology

screw + wrench

The compound 'screw wrench' is compositional: it names a type of wrench associated with a screw (i.e., a wrench whose mechanism involves a screw). This noun+noun formation follows a regular, productive pattern that a B1 learner who knows 'screw' and 'wrench' can readily interpret.

Etymology

Screw wrench comes from how the tool works: one jaw moves when you turn a small screw, so the wrench opens or closes like a mouth to hold different nuts or bolts. That's why a screw wrench is used to 'fit different sizes' of bolts and pipes.