"screw" Definition

Definitions for the word "screw" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. n.
A cylinder, or a cylindrical perforation, having a continuous rib, called the thread, winding round it spirally at a constant inclination, so as to leave a continuous spiral groove between one turn and the next, -- used chiefly for producing, when revolved, motion or pressure in the direction of its axis, by the sliding of the threads of the cylinder in the grooves between the threads of the perforation adapted to it, the former being distinguished as the external, or male screw, or, more usually the screw; the latter as the internal, or female screw, or, more usually, the nut.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
Specifically, a kind of nail with a spiral thread and a head with a nick to receive the end of the screw-driver. Screws are much used to hold together pieces of wood or to fasten something; -- called also wood screws, and screw nails. See also Screw bolt, below.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
Anything shaped or acting like a screw; esp., a form of wheel for propelling steam vessels. It is placed at the stern, and furnished with blades having helicoidal surfaces to act against the water in the manner of a screw. See Screw propeller, below.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
A steam vesel propelled by a screw instead of wheels; a screw steamer; a propeller.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
An extortioner; a sharp bargainer; a skinflint; a niggard.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
An instructor who examines with great or unnecessary severity; also, a searching or strict examination of a student by an instructor.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
A small packet of tobacco.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. n.
An unsound or worn-out horse, useful as a hack, and commonly of good appearance.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. n.
A straight line in space with which a definite linear magnitude termed the pitch is associated (cf. 5th Pitch, 10 (b)). It is used to express the displacement of a rigid body, which may always be made to consist of a rotation about an axis combined with a translation parallel to that axis.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
An amphipod crustacean; as, the skeleton screw (Caprella). See Sand screw, under Sand.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. v. t.
To turn, as a screw; to apply a screw to; to press, fasten, or make firm, by means of a screw or screws; as, to screw a lock on a door; to screw a press.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. v. t.
To force; to squeeze; to press, as by screws.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. v. t.
Hence: To practice extortion upon; to oppress by unreasonable or extortionate exactions.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. v. t.
To twist; to distort; as, to screw his visage.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. v. t.
To examine rigidly, as a student; to subject to a severe examination.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. v. i.
To use violent mans in making exactions; to be oppressive or exacting.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
17. v. i.
To turn one's self uneasily with a twisting motion; as, he screws about in his chair.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
18. n.
1 thin cylinder or cone with a spiral ridge or thread running round the outside (male screw) or the inside (female screw). 2 (in full wood-screw) metal male screw with a slotted head and a sharp point. 3 (in full screw-bolt) blunt metal male screw on which a nut is threaded to bolt things together. 4 straight screw used to exert pressure. 5 (in sing. Or pl.) Instrument of torture acting in this way. 6 (in full screw-propeller) propeller with twisted blades acting like a screw on the water or air. 7 one turn of a screw. 8 (foll. By of) small twisted-up paper (of tobacco etc.). 9 (in billiards etc.) An oblique curling motion of the ball. 10 slang prison warder. 11 coarse slang a act of sexual intercourse. B partner in this. v. 1 fasten or tighten with a screw or screws. 2 turn (a screw). 3 twist or turn round like a screw. 4 (of a ball etc.) Swerve. 5 (foll. By out of) extort (consent, money, etc.) From. 6 (also absol.) Coarse slang have sexual intercourse with. 7 swindle. have a screw loose colloq. Be slightly crazy. Put the screws on colloq. Pressurize, intimidate. Screw up 1 contract or contort (one''s face etc.). 2 contract and crush (a piece of paper etc.) Into a tight mass. 3 summon up (one''s courage etc.). 4 slang a bungle. B spoil (an event, opportunity, etc.). C upset, disturb mentally. [french escroue]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
19. slang
an unsound or broken-down horse, that requires both whip and spur to get him along. So called from the screw-like manner in which his ribs generally show through the skin.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
20. slang
a mean or stingy person.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
21. slang
salary, or wages.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
22. slang
“to put on the SCREW,” to limit one’s credit, to be more exact and precise; “to put under the SCREW;” to compel, to coerce, to influence by strong pressure.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
23. slang
a small packet of tobacco. A “twist” of the “weed.”
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
24. slang
a key—skeleton, or otherwise.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
25. slang
a turnkey.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864

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