English Explanatory Dictionary

thumbscrew

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A screw that is designed to be turned with the thumb and fingers, thus requiring no screwdriver or spanner (wrench).
  2. An instrument of torture used to crush the fingers.
  3. A weakness that can be taken advantage of.

Pronunciation

/ˈθʌmskɹuː/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-thumbscrew.wav

Word forms

thumbscrew thumbscrews thumb-screw thumb screw

Etymology

From thumb + screw.

Synonyms

pilliwinks
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