The word "turnscrew" is spelled with a silent "w". It is pronounced as /ˈtɜːrn.skruː/. The "t" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar plosive, while the "u" and "r" are pronounced as an unstressed schwa and a voiced alveolar approximant, respectively. The "n" is pronounced as a nasal consonant, and the "s" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar sibilant. The final "c" and "r" are pronounced as a voiceless velar plosive and a voiced alveolar approximant.
A turnscrew is a simple handheld tool used for turning screws, particularly those with a slot-shaped head. Also known as a screwdriver, it consists of a handle and a shaft, both of which can be made of various materials such as wood, plastic, or metal. The handle allows for a comfortable grip, while the shaft is usually elongated and tapered to fit into the screw head. The presence of a blade or a flat tip on the end of the shaft is essential for engaging with the screw slot.
The primary function of a turnscrew is to tighten or loosen screws by applying rotational force. By placing the blade of the tool into the slot of the screw head and turning it in a clockwise direction, the screw can be driven deeper into the material, connecting or securing various objects. Conversely, turning the turnscrew in an anti-clockwise direction will loosen the screw, allowing for removal or adjustment.
Turnscrews are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, each suited to different types of screws. For instance, common turnscrew variants include flathead, Phillips, and Robertson screwdrivers, with each one designed for specific screw head patterns. The ability to interchange turnscrews makes it a versatile and indispensable tool in various fields, such as woodworking, construction, electronics, and household maintenance.
The word "turnscrew" is a compound word composed of "turn" and "screw". Each component of the word has its own etymology.
1. Turn: The word "turn" comes from the Old English word "turnian", which means "to rotate or revolve". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "turnōną" and the Proto-Indo-European root "drew-", meaning "to run or turn".
2. Screw: The word "screw" comes from the Old French word "escroue", which was borrowed from the Latin word "excrūtus". The Latin term "excrūtus" referred to a small cylindrical object. This Latin term was derived from the Greek word "ἐξάκρον" (exákron), meaning "a pointed object" or "sharp tool".