tool

¹tool

noun \ˈtül\

Definition of TOOL

1

a : a handheld device that aids in accomplishing a task

b (1) : the cutting or shaping part in a machine or machine tool (2) : a machine for shaping metal : machine tool

2

a : something (as an instrument or apparatus) used in performing an operation or necessary in the practice of a vocation or profession <a scholar's books are his tools>

b : an element of a computer program (as a graphics application) that activates and controls a particular function <a drawing tool>

c : a means to an end <a book's cover can be a marketing tool>

d often vulgar : penis

3

: one that is used or manipulated by another

4

plural : natural ability <has all the tools to be a great pitcher>

Origin of TOOL

Middle English, from Old English tōl; akin to Old English tawian to prepare for use — more at taw

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Hardware Terms

adze, auger, awl, chock, ferrule, punch, tang

Rhymes with TOOL

boule, boulle, cool, drool, fool, fuel, ghoul, gul, mewl, mule, pool, Poole, pul, pule, rule, school, spool, stool, tulle, yule

²tool

verb

Definition of TOOL

transitive verb

1

a : to cause (a vehicle) to go : drive

b : to convey in a vehicle

2

: to shape, form, or finish with a tool; especially : to letter or ornament (as leather or gold) by means of hand tools

3

: to equip (as a plant or industry) with tools, machines, and instruments for production

intransitive verb

1

: drive, ride

2

: to equip a plant or industry with the means (as machines, machine tools, and instruments) of production —often used with up

Examples of TOOL

1. We tooled along the highway.
2. He tooled a design on the leather belt.
3. a belt made of tooled leather

First Known Use of TOOL

1812

Related to TOOL

Synonyms

automobile, motor, drive

Related Words

roll, wheel; joyride; chauffeur, hack, taxi; ride; drag, race

³tool

noun

Definition of TOOL

: a design (as on the binding of a book) made by tooling

First Known Use of TOOL

1881

tool

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Device for making material changes on other objects, as by cutting, shearing, striking, rubbing, grinding, squeezing, measuring, or other process. A hand tool is a small manual instrument traditionally operated by the muscular strength of the user; a machine tool is a power-driven mechanism used to cut, shape, or form materials such as wood and metal. Tools are the main means by which human beings control and manipulate their physical environment.