Pronunciation: [tɹˈa͡ʊə͡lz] (IPA) 
The word "trowels" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈtraʊəlz/. This word is a plural form of the noun "trowel", meaning a flat-bladed tool used for spreading or smoothing mortar or plaster. The spelling of "trowels" follows the general rule of adding "-s" to a word to signify plural form. The letter "w" in "trowels" is pronounced as /w/ sound. Both vowels "-o-" and "-e-" are pronounced as /əʊ/ and /ɛ/, respectively.
Trowels are tools that belong to the category of hand tools. They have a flat and pointed metal blade, typically made of steel, that is attached to a handle. Trowels are primarily used in construction and masonry work for spreading, leveling, and smoothing materials such as mortar, concrete, or plaster.
The blade of the trowel is usually rectangular or triangular in shape and is used to scoop and manipulate the material. The handle, which is made of wood, plastic, or metal, provides a grip for the user to control the trowel during application. Some trowels may have a curved blade to accommodate specific tasks.
Trowels come in various sizes and types, depending on the intended purpose. A margin trowel, for example, has a small rectangular blade and is commonly used for tasks that require precision, like spreading adhesive. On the other hand, a brick trowel has a longer and more pointed blade, designed for laying and fitting bricks.
Trowels are indispensable tools in construction and masonry projects due to their ability to manipulate and shape materials efficiently. Their versatility makes them essential for tasks involving the application of mortar, plaster, or concrete on surfaces like walls, floors, or ceilings.
The word "trowel" has its roots in the Old English word "trwæl", which came from the Proto-Germanic word "*trewilō". This Proto-Germanic term is related to the Middle Dutch word "truwel" and the Old High German word "truwila", both meaning "trowel". The etymology of "trowel" can be traced back further to the Proto-Indo-European root "*tere-", which means "to rub, turn, or bore". Ultimately, "trowel" originated from ancient linguistic roots and evolved over time to refer to the handheld tool used for spreading and smoothing mortar or concrete.
