marlinespike

noun

mar·​line·​spike ˈmär-lən-ˌspīk How to pronounce marlinespike (audio)
variants or less commonly marlinspike
: a tool (as of wood or iron) that tapers to a point and is used to separate strands of rope or wire (as in splicing)

Word History

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of marlinespike was in 1539

Dictionary Entries Near marlinespike

Cite this Entry

“Marlinespike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marlinespike. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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