Spanner: meaning, definitions and examples
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spanner
[ ˈspanər ]
tool
A spanner is a tool used to provide grip and mechanical advantage in applying torque to turn objects—usually rotary fasteners, such as nuts and bolts—or keep them from turning.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He used a spanner to tighten the bolt.
- The mechanic reached for a spanner to fix the car.
UK
In British English, a spanner is a wrench.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Can you pass me the spanner to fix this?
- The plumber always carries a spanner in his tool kit.
slang
In informal British usage, a spanner is sometimes used as a derogatory term for a foolish or clumsy person.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Don't be such a spanner!
- He really dropped the spanner on that project.
Translations
Translations of the word "spanner" in other languages:
🇵🇹 chave inglesa
🇮🇳 पाना
🇩🇪 Schraubenschlüssel
🇮🇩 kunci inggris
🇺🇦 гайковий ключ
🇵🇱 klucz francuski
🇯🇵 スパナ
🇫🇷 clé à molette
🇪🇸 llave inglesa
🇹🇷 İngiliz anahtarı
🇰🇷 스패너
🇸🇦 مفتاح الربط
🇨🇿 klíč
🇸🇰 kľúč
🇨🇳 扳手
🇸🇮 ključ za vijake
🇮🇸 skrúflykill
🇰🇿 бұрауыш
🇬🇪 გასაღები
🇦🇿 açar
🇲🇽 llave inglesa
Word origin
The word 'spanner' originated in the 17th century from the verb 'span,' meaning to stretch or spread out. The tool itself was originally called a 'wrench' in American English. Over time, 'spanner' became the common term for the tool in British English, while 'wrench' remained more prevalent in American English.
See also: span.