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Ferrule is a word for a simple metal band or cap of great versatility. The ferrule is ubiquitous. It is the cap at the end of a cane or crutch, a chair or table leg; it is the point or knob at the hub of an umbrella; it fits together tubes and pipes and binds paintbrush handles to bristles and pencils to erasers. In Middle English this universal thingamajig was called a verrel. That word commonly referred to the strengthening bands or rings of iron used to prevent the splitting or wear of the wooden shafts of implements. The name evolved from Middle French virelle and Old French virol and ultimately from Latin viriola, meaning "small bracelet." The "f" spelling of today's ferrule was influenced by ferrum, the Latin word for "iron."

Examples of ferrule in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Also, avoid drying brushes vertically with the bristles up — this can cause water to leak into the ferrule (the piece that joins the bristles to the handle), which also will loosen the glue and lead to bristle loss. — Kate Sullivan, Kristi Kellogg, Allure, 14 Feb. 2022 Hanging your brushes upside down prevents water from getting into the ferrule and handle, a problem that can eventually cause both to break. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2021 The carefully bent side tines flare slightly below the ferrule creating a beautiful, fleur de lis image. — Heather Arndt Anderson, Sunset Magazine, 2 Mar. 2021 In addition to a brush and bowl set, Tatcha now also sells an exquisite powder brush, made with kiri wood and a 24 K gold ferrule. — New York Times, 3 June 2021 Created in the 1930s by Eberhard Faber, this writing instrument, characterized by its unique ferrule design and rectangular eraser, is famous for its smooth-as-silk graphite. — Leena Kim, Town & Country, 28 Apr. 2021 This rear-deploying titanium head is unique in that the blades, once opened, lock together and pivot with the ferrule, theoretically steering around heavy bone and aiding penetration. — Will Brantley, Field & Stream, 5 June 2020 The crossbow version has a machined stainless steel ferrule, while the slip cam model is made of machined aluminum. — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 15 Jan. 2019 The ferrule is machined from grade-5 titanium with a precision-ground tip. — Jace Bauserman, Field & Stream, 9 Jan. 2020 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ferrule.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.