spanner
spanner Lexical Profile
spanner Game Scores & Validity
• noun
British A hand tool used to provide grip and mechanical advantage in applying torque to turn objects, usually rotary fasteners such as nuts and bolts.
"He grabbed an adjustable spanner from the toolbox to tighten the loose nut on the radiator."
American A specialized wrench containing a hole, pin, or hook intended to engage with a similarly shaped notch or projection on the object to be turned.
"The mechanic used a hook spanner to adjust the suspension collar on the motorcycle."
British A derogatory slang term for a stupid, clumsy, or foolish person.
"I locked my keys inside the car again, I'm such a spanner."
Word Nuance & Usage
In British English, 'spanner' is the standard everyday term for the tool North Americans call a 'wrench'. In American English, 'spanner' is narrowly reserved for a specific wrench equipped with a hook or pin to turn specialized fasteners.
• Rhymes for spanner
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the late 18th-century German word 'Spanner' (a tightener), which comes from the verb 'spannen' (to stretch, draw tight, or span).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.