flathead
flathead Lexical Profile
flathead Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Having a flat top or head, particularly referring to a screw with a single linear slot or the screwdriver designed to turn it.
"She used a flathead screwdriver to pry open the lid of the old paint can."
Having a head that is physically flattened or depressed in shape.
"The biologist noted the flathead profile of the newly discovered amphibian species."
• noun
A screwdriver designed to turn slotted screws, or a screw having a flat top with a single straight slot.
"Could you hand me a flathead so I can tighten this loose bracket?"
Any of various bottom-dwelling marine or freshwater fishes characterized by a distinctly flattened head, notably those of the family Platycephalidae in the Indo-Pacific or certain North American catfishes.
"The angler cast his line into the estuary, hoping to catch a dusky flathead for dinner."
An internal combustion engine having its valves located in the engine block beside the piston, rather than in the cylinder head.
"Many classic hot rods are powered by a vintage Ford flathead V8."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to tools or fasteners, 'flathead' strictly refers to the linear slotted drive design and is directly contrasted with 'Phillips' or cross-head designs.
• Rhymes for flathead
Word Origin & Etymology
A compound of 'flat' and 'head', originating in the 17th century to describe physical traits of animals or people, and later extended to specifically designate types of screws, engines, and fish in the late 19th and 20th centuries.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.