Pronunciation: [ɹˈasps] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "rasps" may seem confusing, but it can be easily clarified by using IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription. The first syllable, "ras," is spelled with the vowel sound /æ/ as in "cat," followed by the consonant sound /sp/. The final syllable, "ps," is actually pronounced as /s/ due to the silent "p." Therefore, the word is pronounced as /ræsps/ and means to scrape or rub with a rough tool or surface.
Rasps, in the context of tools, refer to filing or shaping tools with a series of raised teeth or notches along the edge. These teeth or notches are typically made of hardened steel, and they are used to gradually remove material from wood, metal, or other surfaces. The purpose of rasping is to create a rough or coarse surface, smooth out rough edges, or shape objects with precision.
Rasps are characterized by their distinctive elongated shape, with one or both ends narrowed down to form a handle. The flat or curved metal working surface of the rasp contains the concentrated array of teeth or notches. The teeth or notches are uniform in size and spacing, allowing for an even, controlled removal of material during use. Depending on the intended use, rasps may come in various sizes and shapes, such as flat, half-round, round, or tapered, each suited for specific applications and materials.
Rasps are commonly employed by carpenters, woodworkers, metalworkers, and sculptors, as they allow for more precise shaping and refining of surfaces compared to other tools like files or sandpaper. Rasping is a manual process that requires the user to apply pressure and a controlled forward-backward motion along the material to achieve the desired results. The resulting surface left by a rasp is typically rough and textured, making it suitable for subsequent fine-tuning or finishing using other tools.
The word "rasps" originated from the Middle English word "raspen" which is derived from the Old English word "raepan". This Old English word ultimately comes from the Proto-Germanic root "*reup-" meaning "to tear, pull out". The word "rasps" gained its modern spelling and pronunciation over time, referring to the action or tool used to grate or file down surfaces.
