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Glite Dictionary
blunt file

blunt file

7.1
A metal tool with two flat sides used to smooth or shape hard materials
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : lima plana
  • The machinist selected a blunt file to smooth the edges of the metal plate.

Examples

  • You can achieve a flat surface with a blunt file thanks to its parallel sides.

  • The carpenter used a blunt file to smooth the wood.

  • Using a blunt file, she carefully shaped the piece of wood.

  • I need a blunt file for this project.

  • The machinist selected a blunt file to smooth the edges of the metal plate.

  • Using a blunt file, she carefully shaped the piece of wood.

  • The carpenter used a blunt file to smooth the wood.

Synonyms

file
vsblunt file
54 5.6

A rough tool with sharp teeth used to shape metal or wood

is a metal-specific type with parallel edges for smoothing
filer
vsblunt file
  • Specialized
1 4.0

A tool used to smooth and shape wood and metal by rubbing

denotes a specific metal hand form with parallel edges rather than any device
riffler
vsblunt file
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A small file with two different ends for shaping and smoothing hard materials

is larger and more general used for broader smoothing tasks rather than fine detail
flat file
vsblunt file
  • Specialized
5.8

A hand tool with a rough flat surface that you move to smooth or shape wood and metal

is specific to metal use rather than for both metal and wood
taper file
vsblunt file
  • Specialized
8.2

A hand tool with edges that narrow to a point for shaping and smoothing metal or wood

has parallel edges instead of narrowing ones for even surface smoothing
round file
vsblunt file
  • Specialized
7.0

A metal tool with a round shape to smooth or widen holes

has flat parallel edges and is not cylindrical in cross section
wood file
vsblunt file
4.2

A rough tool with sharp teeth that shapes and smooths wood

is meant for metal work rather than for wood

Surface Forms

blunt file singular
blunt files plural

Morphology

blunt + file

The phrase 'blunt file' is a straightforward adjective + noun composition: 'blunt' (not sharp) modifying 'file' (an abrading tool), so a learner who knows both words can infer it is a file lacking a sharp edge used for smoothing or shaping. This literal, compositional meaning follows common cross-linguistic adjective-noun patterns and is therefore immediately understandable to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Blunt file names a tool: a file that is blunt, or not sharp, with flat, even sides that rub and smooth metal or wood instead of cutting it. That's why it means 'a tool for smoothing or shaping'.