screw
UK: skruː | US: skruː
n. 1. A threaded cylindrical fastener used to join materials.
n. 2. A propeller or helical device (e.g., ship's screw).
vt. 1. To fasten or tighten with a screw.
vt. 2. (Slang) To cheat or pressure someone.
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The word "screw" traces back to Old French escroue (nut, cylindrical socket), likely from Latin scrofa (a sow, metaphorically a "twisting" animal due to rooting behavior). The modern mechanical sense emerged in the 15th century, influenced by the spiral motion of threading. Its slang meanings evolved from the idea of forced twisting or coercion.
Tighten the screw with a Phillips-head screwdriver.
The ship's screw churned the water as it departed.
He tried to screw the lid back on the jar.
(Slang) Don’t let them screw you out of your bonus.
The design uses screws instead of nails for durability.