planer

noun

plan·​er
ˈplānə(r)
plural -s
: one that planes: such as
a
: a machine tool consisting essentially of a fixed bed, a reciprocating table to which the work is secured, and a device for holding the cutting tool stationary while each cut is taken and for moving the tool in position for the succeeding cut at the end of each cutting stroke, the power for moving the table being usually transmitted to the table from the driving shaft through a train of gears see closed planer, crank plane, openside planer, rotary planer, shaping planer
b
: a power tool for surfacing wood by means of a cutting tool that rotates across the width of the board that is fed under it
c
: a smooth-faced block of wood that is laid on the surface of type and tapped with a mallet to level the type or make a stone proof
d
: a grader with several blades to distribute and smooth earth or pavement material
e
: a worker who planes wood, stone, or metal

Word History

Etymology

plane entry 1 + -er

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Cite this Entry

“Planer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/planer. Accessed 22 Dec. 2025.

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