thumbscrew

thumb·screw  (thmskr)

n.

1. A screw designed so that it can be turned with the thumb and fingers.

2. An instrument of torture formerly used to compress the thumb.

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thumbscrew [ˈθʌmˌskruː]

n

1. (Historical Terms) an instrument of torture that pinches or crushes the thumbs

2. (Engineering / Tools) a screw with projections on its head enabling it to be turned by the thumb and forefinger

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	thumbscrew - instrument of torture that crushes the thumb instrument of torture - an instrument of punishment designed and used to inflict torture on the condemned person
	2.	thumbscrew - screw designed to be turned with the thumb and fingers screw - a fastener with a tapered threaded shank and a slotted head

Translations

thumbscrew [ˈθʌmskruː] N → empulgueras fpl

thumbscrew thumb screw [ˈθʌmskruː] n (= torture device) → poucettes fpl
to put the thumbscrews on sb (= put under extreme pressure) → mettre à qn le couteau sous la gorge

thumbscrew [ˈθʌmˌskruː] n (instrument of torture) strumento di tortura con cui si schiacciano i pollici (Tech) → vite f con testa ad alette

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thumbscrew [ˈθʌmˌskruː] n (instrument of torture) strumento di tortura con cui si schiacciano i pollici (Tech) → vite f con testa ad alette