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Countersink: meaning, definitions and examples

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countersink

 

[ ˈkaʊntərˌsɪŋk ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

tool usage

A countersink is a conical hole cut into a manufactured object, or the cutter used to create the hole. Its design allows the head of a screw or bolt to sit flush with or below the surface of a material. This technique is commonly used in woodworking and metalworking to create smooth surfaces and prevent protrusions.

Synonyms

conical hole, sink hole

Examples of usage

  • The carpenter used a countersink to ensure the screws were flush with the wood.
  • He drilled a countersink for the bolt to fit perfectly.
  • Using a countersink tool helped achieve a neater finish on the project.
Context #2 | Verb

manufacturing process

To countersink means to create a conical recess in a material for the purpose of facilitating the insertion of a screw or bolt. This action enhances the aesthetics of a finished product and provides a tight fit for fasteners, ultimately improving the structural integrity.

Synonyms

recess, sink

Examples of usage

  • The technician will countersink the holes before assembling the parts.
  • Make sure to countersink the screws to avoid any surface irregularities.
  • He countersunk the holes to prepare the surface for painting.

Translations

Translations of the word "countersink" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rebaixo

🇮🇳 काउंटरसिंक

🇩🇪 Senkschraube

🇮🇩 countersink

🇺🇦 западина

🇵🇱 frezowanie

🇯🇵 カウンターシンク

🇫🇷 boulon fraisé

🇪🇸 avellanado

🇹🇷 kavislama

🇰🇷 카운터싱크

🇸🇦 تغميق

🇨🇿 zapouzdření

🇸🇰 zapustený

🇨🇳 沉头孔

🇸🇮 vgradnja

🇮🇸 sunkin

🇰🇿 жереб

🇬🇪 დასადგურება

🇦🇿 dərinləşdirmək

🇲🇽 avellanado

Etymology

The term 'countersink' originates from the combination of the prefix 'counter-', meaning 'against' or 'opposite', and the word 'sink', which refers to creating a depression or hollow area. This concept has been in use since at least the late 19th century, particularly within the contexts of carpentry and metalworking. The countersinking process became increasingly important as the demand for neat finishes in manufacturing grew, particularly with the rise of mass production techniques. As machinery advanced, so did the tools designed for countersinking, allowing for more precise and efficient results. Today, countersinking remains a staple process in various industries, including construction, furniture making, and machining, enabling both aesthetic appeal and functional strength.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,070, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.