spanner

spanner
    n 1: a hand tool that is used to hold or twist a nut or bolt
         [syn: {wrench}, {spanner}]
    

spanner \span"ner\ (sp[a^]n"n[~e]r), n.
   1. One who, or that which, spans.
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   2. The lock of a fusee or carbine; also, the fusee or carbine
      itself. [Obs.]
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   3. An iron instrument having a jaw to fit a nut or the head
      of a bolt, and used as a lever to turn it with; a wrench;
      specifically, a wrench for unscrewing or tightening the
      couplings of hose. [Chiefly British usage]
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   4. pl. A contrivance in some of the earlier steam engines for
      moving the valves for the alternate admission and shutting
      off of the steam.
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Inchworm \Inch"worm`\, n. (Zool.)
   The larva of any geometrid moth. It progresses forward by
   first bringing the rear end of the body forward, forming a
   loop, then moving the front part of the body; called also
   {measuring} worm, {measuringworm}, {spanner}, and {looper}.
   See {Geometrid}.
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