WordLens

screw

1 of 2noun
/skru:/
Forms:screws
1

a small pointy piece of metal that can be fasten into wooden or metal objects using a screwdriver to hold things together

B2Learn more on Wikipedia
  • He used a screwdriver to tighten the screws holding the shelves to the wall.
  • The carpenter inserted screws into the wooden boards to construct the frame.
  • She tightened the screws on the chair to prevent it from wobbling.
  • The technician used a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the panel in place.
  • He replaced the old screws with longer ones to better secure the shelf to the wall.
2

an act of sexual intercourse

  • He bragged about getting a screw, which offended everyone.
  • He only cared about a quick screw, not a relationship.
  • That kind of talk about a screw isn't appropriate in public.
  • The slang use of "screw" dates back to the early 18th century.
  • She treated love like a screw, nothing more.
3

a propeller with angled blades that rotates to move a ship or aircraft through water or air

  • The boat's screw churned up the water.
  • Divers checked the ship's screw for damage.
  • The screw turned slowly as the submarine surfaced.
  • Engineers designed a new screw for quieter propulsion.
  • The screw created turbulence behind the vessel.
Synonyms:
4

a simple machine based on an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder, converting rotational motion into linear motion

  • The screw is one of the six classical simple machines.
  • Archimedes' screw was used to lift water.
  • A screw converts rotational energy into thrust.
  • Engineers studied the mechanics of the screw.
  • The screw principle is fundamental in physics.
5

a prison guard

  • The prisoners taunted the screw during roll call.
  • The screw kept watch over the cell block.
  • He'd been a screw at the old penitentiary for years.
  • The inmates feared that screw more than the warden.
  • One screw always checked the locks twice.
6

a casual sexual partner

  • He picked up a new screw at the bar last night.
  • His friends teased him about his older screw.
  • The guys compared notes on their latest screws.
  • He treated her like a disposable screw and never called again.
  • She regretted bringing that screw home from the club.