Bottle screw, also known as a turnbuckle, is a device used to adjust the tension in wire ropes and cables. The spelling of this word can be analyzed using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): /ˈbɒtəl skruː/. The first syllable "bot" is pronounced with a short "o" sound, followed by a long "o" in the second syllable "tle". The word "screw" is pronounced with a silent "w", and the final syllable "kle" has a long "u" sound. The phonetic transcription of this word can be a helpful tool for those learning English as a second language.
A bottle screw is a mechanical device specifically designed for tightening and loosening screws in bottles' caps or screw top closures. It features a handle or grip, a threaded shaft, and a perpendicular curved or angled extension or arm at the end. This extension is inserted into the slot or groove on the bottle cap, aligning with the screw.
The threaded shaft of the bottle screw allows for rotational movement when the handle or grip is turned. As the handle is rotated clockwise, the shaft simultaneously rotates which, in turn, causes the extension to move in a circular motion. The extension, being securely positioned within the cap slot, drives or unscrews the screw thread of the closure, thereby facilitating the opening or closing of the bottle.
Bottle screws are commonly used in various industries, such as food and beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and household items. They offer great convenience in quickly and efficiently opening tightly sealed bottles. If a cap is too loose, the bottle screw can also be used to tighten it securely, ensuring the contents are safe from leakage or spoilage.
In summary, a bottle screw is a mechanical tool used for opening and closing bottles with screw top closures. Its design includes a handle, threaded shaft, and an extension that fits into the groove or slot on the bottle cap, enabling rotational movement and facilitating the loosening or tightening of the cap's screw thread.
The term "bottle screw" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "bottle" and "screw".
The word "bottle" originated from the Old French word "botele" or "botel", which meant a small container or vessel made of leather or glass. This term reached English around the 14th century. It eventually evolved to refer specifically to a container for liquids, typically closed with a stopper or a cork.
On the other hand, "screw" traces back to the Old French word "escroue", which came from the Latin word "scrofa" meaning a sow (female pig). The term "screw" emerged in the English language around the late 15th century with the sense of a device that is twisted like a pig's tail.