Troweled Meaning: Definition and Examples
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troweled
[ˈtraʊəld ]
Definition
construction tool
Troweled refers to the action of using a trowel, which is a small hand tool with a pointed, scoop-shaped metal blade used for spreading and shaping materials like cement, mortar, or plaster. The term usually describes the process of finishing or applying these materials onto a surface to achieve a smooth or textured finish. Proper technique is essential for achieving desired results in various construction and masonry tasks. This method is commonly employed in laying bricks, smoothing out plaster, or working with concrete.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He troweled the cement smoothly onto the sidewalk.
- She troweled the mortar between the bricks skillfully.
- They troweled the surface to prepare it for painting.
Interesting Facts
Construction
- A trowel is essential in bricklaying, helping to apply mortar and shape bricks into walls.
- Different types of trowels exist, such as pointing trowels for detail work and rounding trowels for smoothing surfaces.
Gardening
- In gardening, trowels help prepare the soil, plant seeds, and remove weeds, making them a gardener's best friend.
- Garden trowels often have a curved blade to help lift and move soil without disturbing nearby plants.
Art and Crafts
- In sculpture, artists may use small trowels to carve and smooth out finer details in clay or plaster.
- Mosaics often utilize small trowels to apply and push grout into the spaces between tiles.
Famous Tools
- The trowel is often featured in popular culture as a symbol of craftsmanship and manual labor.
- In the world of archaeology, trowels are considered vital tools for carefully excavating and studying historical sites.
Origin of 'troweled'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'trowel' comes from the Old French 'truel', which means 'to dig', reflecting its function.
- In Middle English, it was used to describe various types of digging tools, solidifying its role in construction and gardening.
The word 'troweled' originates from the noun 'trowel,' which comes from the Middle English word 'trowel' or 'truel,' derived from the Old French word 'truelle.' The Old French word is believed to be from the Latin term 'trotula,' which meant 'a small tool' or 'little spade.' The evolution of the term over time reflects the tool's significance in construction and gardening. Initially used to describe various small hand tools, the modern definition has specifically come to refer to the flat-bladed, scoop-shaped tool widely used in masonry and construction work. As construction techniques evolved, the trowel became a fundamental tool in the field, leading to the action of troweling being essential to various crafts, including tiling, plastering, and masonry. This transition highlights the importance of the tool in ensuring the quality and finish of construction projects.