Butterfly nut is a small, winged nut that is used to fasten or secure objects. It is called a butterfly nut because of its shape, which resembles that of a butterfly. This nut is commonly used in various applications, including mechanical, automotive, and electrical industries.
Definitions
A butterfly nut is a type of nut that has two wings or projections on either side of its body. These wings can be easily turned by hand, allowing the nut to be tightened or loosened without the need for a tool. This feature makes butterfly nuts ideal for applications where frequent adjustments or removals are required.
Origin
The origin of the butterfly nut is not clear. However, it is believed to have been developed in the early 20th century as a replacement for traditional nuts and bolts. The butterfly nut was designed to be more convenient and easier to use than its predecessors.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a butterfly nut is “a nut with two flat projecting pieces that can be turned with the fingers to tighten or loosen it.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a nut with two projecting wings that can be turned by hand to tighten or loosen it.”
Associations
Butterfly nuts are commonly associated with machinery, equipment, and tools. They are used to secure various components, such as wheels, blades, and handles. Butterfly nuts are also used in electrical applications to secure wires and cables.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for butterfly nut include wing nut, thumbscrew, and hand nut. These terms are often used interchangeably with butterfly nut, depending on the context.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for butterfly nut. However, traditional nuts and bolts can be considered as alternatives to butterfly nuts in some applications.
The same root words
The term “butterfly” in butterfly nut refers to the shape of the nut’s wings. The word “nut” refers to the object itself, which is a type of fastener used to secure objects.
Example Sentences
- The mechanic used a butterfly nut to secure the wheel.
- The electrician tightened the cable with a butterfly nut.
- The wing nut and butterfly nut are similar in design.
- The thumbscrew and butterfly nut are both easy to use.
- The traditional nut and bolt were replaced with a butterfly nut for convenience.