(n.) A cylinder, or a cylindrical perforation, having a continuous rib, called the thread, winding round it spirally at a constant inclination, so as to leave a continuous spiral groove between one turn and the next, -- used chiefly for producing, when revolved, motion or pressure in the direction of its axis, by the sliding of the threads of the cylinder in the grooves between the threads of the perforation adapted to it, the former being distinguished as the external, or male screw, or, more usually the screw; the latter as the internal, or female screw, or, more usually, the nut.
(n.) A small packet of tobacco.
(n.) A steam vesel propelled by a screw instead of wheels; a screw steamer; a propeller.
(n.) A straight line in space with which a definite linear magnitude termed the pitch is associated (cf. 5th Pitch, 10 (b)). It is used to express the displacement of a rigid body, which may always be made to consist of a rotation about an axis combined with a translation parallel to that axis.
(n.) An amphipod crustacean; as, the skeleton screw (Caprella). See Sand screw, under Sand.
(n.) An extortioner; a sharp bargainer; a skinflint; a niggard.
(n.) An instructor who examines with great or unnecessary severity; also, a searching or strict examination of a student by an instructor.
(n.) An unsound or worn-out horse, useful as a hack, and commonly of good appearance.
(n.) Anything shaped or acting like a screw; esp., a form of wheel for propelling steam vessels. It is placed at the stern, and furnished with blades having helicoidal surfaces to act against the water in the manner of a screw. See Screw propeller, below.
(n.) Specifically, a kind of nail with a spiral thread and a head with a nick to receive the end of the screw-driver. Screws are much used to hold together pieces of wood or to fasten something; -- called also wood screws, and screw nails. See also Screw bolt, below.
(v. i.) To turn one's self uneasily with a twisting motion; as, he screws about in his chair.
(v. i.) To use violent mans in making exactions; to be oppressive or exacting.
(v. t.) Hence: To practice extortion upon; to oppress by unreasonable or extortionate exactions.
(v. t.) To examine rigidly, as a student; to subject to a severe examination.
(v. t.) To force; to squeeze; to press, as by screws.
(v. t.) To turn, as a screw; to apply a screw to; to press, fasten, or make firm, by means of a screw or screws; as, to screw a lock on a door; to screw a press.
(v. t.) To twist; to distort; as, to screw his visage.