Spanner
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈspæn.ə/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Spanner is a noun meaning (Commonwealth, UK, Ireland) A hand tool for adjusting nuts and bolts.
Meaning
(Commonwealth, UK, Ireland) A hand tool for adjusting nuts and bolts.
More Meanings
- (graph theory) A (usually sparse) graph whose shortest path distances approximate those in a dense graph or other metric space.
- (weaponry) A hand tool shaped like a small crank handle, for winding the spring of a wheel lock on a musket.
- (UK, Ireland) A problem, dilemma or obstacle; something unexpected or troublesome (in the phrase spanner in the works)
- (UK, Ireland, mildly derogatory) A stupid or unintelligent person; one prone to making mistakes, especially in language.
- To use a spanner; to fix with a spanner
- (rare) One who, or that which, spans.
- (obsolete) A device in early steam engines for moving the valves for the alternate admission and shutting off of the steam.
Example Sentences
You spanner, Rodney! I wanted some time, not a bunch of thyme!
Pass me that spanner, Jake; there's just one more bolt to screw in.
The spanner for spanning or winding up the spring of the wheel lock.
The scheme of the spanner of continents and the desire of the little husbandman hoarding for his loved ones.
Word Forms
- spanners
- spannering
- spannered
Synonyms for spanner
Depending on context, synonyms include wrench.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include wrench, key, stopcock, brace, torque, tightening.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.