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Definition of screw
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a : a simple machine of the inclined plane type consisting of a spirally grooved solid cylinder and a correspondingly grooved hollow cylinder into which it fits
b : a nail-shaped or rod-shaped piece with a spiral groove and a slotted or recessed head designed to be inserted into material by rotating (as with a screwdriver) and used for fastening pieces of solid material together
b : a turn of a screw also : a twist like the turn of a screw
c : a screwlike device (such as a corkscrew)
3 : a worn-out horse
4 chiefly British : a small packet (as of tobacco)
5 : a prison guard
7 : a propeller especially of a ship
8a : thumbscrew sense 1
b : pressure or punitive measures intended to coerce
—used chiefly in the phrase put the screws on or put the screws to
9a vulgar : an act of sexual intercourse
b vulgar : a partner in sexual intercourse
have a screw loose
: to be mentally unbalanced
screw
verbscrewed; screwing; screws
Definition of screw (Entry 2 of 2)
1a(1) : to attach, fasten, or close by means of a screw
(2) : to unite or separate by means of a screw or a twisting motion
(3) : to press tightly in a device (such as a vise) operated by a screw
(4) : to operate, tighten, or adjust by means of a screw
(5) : to torture by means of a thumbscrew
b : to cause to rotate spirally about an axis
b : to furnish with a spiral groove or ridge : thread
3 : to increase the intensity, quantity, or capability of
trying to screw up courage to confess— Will Scott
4a(1) : to mistreat or exploit through extortion, trickery, or unfair actions especially : to deprive of or cheat out of something due or expected
(2) : to treat so as to bring about injury or loss (as to a person's reputation)
use the available Federal machinery to screw our political enemies— J. W. Dean III —often used as a generalized cursescrew you!
b : to extract by pressure or threat
5 vulgar : to copulate with
1 : to rotate like or as a screw
2 : to turn or move with a twisting or writhing motion
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Time Traveler for screw
The first known use of screw was in the 15th century
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