The word "pliers" is a tool used for gripping or bending objects. It is spelled as /ˈplaɪərz/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet. The first syllable "pl" is pronounced as /plaɪ/, with the "ai" sound of "eye." The second syllable "iers" is pronounced as /ərz/, with a short "i" sound and a silent "e." The spelling of "pliers" derived from the French word "plier," which means "to fold." Despite its unusual spelling, "pliers" is a commonly used tool in many industries.
Pliers are hand tools consisting of a pair of metal levers joined together at a fulcrum point, typically with teeth on the jaws near the pivot point. They are specifically designed for gripping, bending, and twisting objects, especially small items which may be difficult to handle with bare hands. Pliers have two main components: the handles and the jaws. The handles, which are usually insulated or coated for comfort and insulation against electric shocks, provide a firm grip and allow the user to exert pressure on the jaws. The jaws, located at the opposite end of the handles, come in various shapes and sizes depending on their intended function.
The main purpose of pliers is to hold objects securely, enabling the user to perform tasks such as removing nails, cutting wires, bending metal, or holding parts in place while performing repairs or assembly work. The teeth or serrations on the jaws provide additional grip, preventing slippage or slipping out of objects during manipulation. Pliers are commonly used in various industries, including electrical work, automotive repairs, plumbing, and jewelry making.
Overall, pliers are indispensable tools for both professional tradespeople and hobbyists, providing a versatile and practical means of handling small objects efficiently and effectively.
A kind of small pincers by which anything is firmly seized.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "pliers" originates from the Old French word "pliers" (verb), which means "to fold" or "to bend". It is derived from the Latin word "plicare", meaning "to fold" or "to bend". The noun form of "pliers" evolved from the Old French verb to refer to a tool used for grasping and manipulating objects by bending or folding.