screw (skr )n.1. a. A cylindrical rod incised with one or more helical or advancing spiral threads, as a lead screw or worm screw. b. The tapped collar or socket that receives this rod. 2. A metal pin with incised threads and a broad slotted head that can be driven as a fastener by turning with a screwdriver, especially: a. A tapered and pointed wood screw. b. A cylindrical and flat-tipped machine screw. 3. A device having a helical form, such as a corkscrew. 4. A propeller. 5. A twist or turn of or as if of a screw. 6. Slang a. A prison guard. b. The turnkey of a jail. 7. Vulgar Slang The act or an instance of having sexual intercourse. 8. Chiefly British Slang a. Salary; wages. b. A small paper packet, as of tobacco. c. An old broken-down horse. d. A stingy or crafty bargainer. v. screwed, screw·ing, screws v.tr.1. To drive or tighten (a screw). 2. a. To fasten, tighten, or attach by or as if by means of a screw. b. To attach (a tapped or threaded fitting or cap) by twisting into place. c. To rotate (a part) on a threaded axis. 3. To contort (one's face). 4. Slang To take advantage of; cheat: screwed me out of the most lucrative sales territory. 5. Vulgar Slang To have sexual intercourse with. v.intr.1. To turn or twist. 2. a. To become attached by means of the threads of a screw. b. To be capable of such attachment. 3. Vulgar Slang To have sexual intercourse. Phrasal Verbs: screw around1. Slang To act or fool around aimlessly or in a confused way and accomplish nothing. 2. Vulgar Slang To be sexually promiscuous. screw up1. To muster or summon up: screwed up my courage. 2. Slang To make a mess of (an undertaking). 3. Slang To injure; damage: Lifting those boxes really screwed up my back. 4. Slang To make neurotic or anxious. Idiom: have a screw loose Slang 1. To behave in an eccentric manner. 2. To be insane.
[Middle English skrewe, from Old French escrove, female screw, nut, perhaps from Medieval Latin scr fa, from Latin, sow; see sker-1 in Indo-European roots.]
screw a·ble adj. screw er n. | screw left to right: round-head machine screw, flat-head wood screw, and round-head wood screw |
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