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Definition

An open-end adjustable spanner with a worm-drive thumbwheel. When the term adjustable spanner or adjustable wrench is used, this type (branded with any of many brands) is usually the type meant.

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Origins

A genericization of the trade name of a company famous for making them (although it did not invent them); details are at Wikipedia. The trademark is still protected, and this genericized term is only informal and loose. Compare kleenex and coke.

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Also Said As

  • crescent wrench
  • Crescent wrench
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See Also

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Related Idioms

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