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Glite Dictionary
tailstock

tailstock

1 8.9
Part of a lathe that moves to hold the far end of a piece being worked on
  • noun
  • /ˈteɪlˌstɑk/
  • Specialized
: morsa
  • This tailstock drill press for lathes operates as a drill press on an otherwise cumbersome tailstock.

Examples

  • This tailstock drill press for lathes operates as a drill press on an otherwise cumbersome tailstock.

    Academic text (2002)

  • Tailstock drill press

    Academic text (2002)

  • The engineer adjusted the tailstock to properly support the free end of the workpiece on the lathe.

  • To achieve a precise cut, he ensured the tailstock was aligned with the headstock on the lathe.

  • For better accuracy in turning, the tailstock should be securely locked in place along the bed of the lathe.

Surface Forms

tailstock singular
tailstocks plural

Morphology

tailstock = tail + stock (semi-transparent) = tail + stock

The components 'tail' and 'stock' are clear, but the combined meaning is a specialized technical term for a lathe part (learners need domain knowledge to infer exact function).

Etymology

Tailstock comes from the parts tail ('back' or 'end') and stock ('support' or 'block'), so it is the support at the back end of a machine. That's why a tailstock slides along the lathe bed to hold and steady the free end of the workpiece.