MONKEYWRENCH Meaning and
Definition
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Monkeywrench is a noun that refers to a type of hand tool commonly used by mechanics and engineers. It typically consists of an adjustable wrench with a long handle and a parallel jaw that can be opened or closed by turning a screw mechanism. The tool gets its name from the way the jaw moves like the jaws of a monkey, opening and closing as necessary to grip or release objects.
The monkeywrench is designed to provide a secure grip on nuts, bolts, and other fasteners, allowing for easy tightening or loosening with minimal effort. This tool is particularly useful in situations where a regular wrench may not fit due to the need for an adjustable jaw. The adjustable feature enables the tool to adapt to different sizes of fasteners, providing versatility and convenience in various mechanical tasks.
In addition to its primary function as a tool, the term "monkeywrench" is also used metaphorically to describe deliberate interference or obstruction that disrupts the smooth flow of a process or plan. This secondary meaning draws on the idea that as a tool, the monkeywrench can be used to hinder or impede the functioning of machinery or mechanisms. In this sense, to "throw a monkeywrench into the works" is to intentionally cause disruption or chaos that hampers progress or success.
Common Misspellings for MONKEYWRENCH
- nonkeywrench
- konkeywrench
- jonkeywrench
- minkeywrench
- mknkeywrench
- mlnkeywrench
- mpnkeywrench
- m0nkeywrench
- m9nkeywrench
- mobkeywrench
- momkeywrench
- mojkeywrench
- mohkeywrench
- monjeywrench
- monmeywrench
- monleywrench
- monoeywrench
- monieywrench
- monkwywrench
Etymology of MONKEYWRENCH
The word "monkeywrench" is derived from the combination of two separate terms: "monkey" and "wrench".
1. Monkey: The term "monkey" in this context is believed to have been derived from the word "monk", which referred to a bending or tampering device used by monks during medieval times. These devices were commonly used to twist or bend objects, and over time, the term "monkey" became associated with such mechanical actions.
2. Wrench: The word "wrench" comes from Old English "wrenc", which means to twist or turn. It originally referred to a tool used for twisting or applying torque to objects, such as nuts and bolts, in order to loosen or tighten them.
Combining these two terms, "monkeywrench" became a word to describe a specific type of wrench used for twisting or turning nuts, bolts, or other mechanical parts.
Similar spelling words for MONKEYWRENCH
