steel-wool pad
1
3.2
- noun
- /stiːl wʊl pæd/
:
pad de lana de acero
- Always wear gloves when using a steel-wool pad to avoid hurting your hands.
Examples
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I need a new steel-wool pad for cleaning.
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The steel-wool pad worked wonders on the rust.
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She used a steel-wool pad to scrub the burnt pan clean.
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The old paint came off easily with a steel-wool pad and some solvent.
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I used a steel-wool pad to remove the tough stains from the old kitchen countertop.
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Before painting, make sure to clean the surface with a steel-wool pad for a smoother finish.
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After sanding, I polished the wood with a steel-wool pad to achieve a nice shine.
Synonyms
4
3.0
A pad of thin metal strands used to clean and smooth surfaces
1
3.7
A small metal pad that you use to scrub hard stains from pots, pans, and kitchen surfaces
1
3.1
A small rough scrubber used to clean pots and pans to remove stuck food
1
3.0
A small rough pad with soap used to scrub pans and dishes
1
4.6
A pad of fine steel fibers used to clean and smooth metal and other hard surfaces
A small flat piece of cloth or sponge that you use to rub dirt off surfaces like a stove
How Abrasive
Surface Forms
Morphology
steel-wool + pad
The meaning 'a pad made of steel wool' is compositionally derivable: 'steel-wool' specifies the material (metallic fibers) and 'pad' names the object, so a B1 learner who knows those words can infer it is a pad made from steel wool. Material+object compounds are common across languages, making the relationship transparent despite the hyphenated form or missing dictionary entry for 'steel-wool'.
Etymology
The name steel-wool pad comes from the image of thin metal wires that look like soft wool. The word steel names the metal, wool describes its wool-like look, and the small pad is the bundle you use to scrub, so it means 'a pad made of steel wool used for cleaning or polishing'.