Main Entry:
<SUP>1</SUP>tool
Pronunciation: <TT>'tül</TT>
Function:
noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English
tOl; akin to Old English
tawian to prepare for use -- more at
[size=-1]TAW[/size]
1 a : a handheld device that aids in accomplishing a task
b (1)
: the cutting or shaping part in a machine or machine tool (2)
: a machine for shaping metal
: [size=-1]MACHINE TOOL[/size]
2 a : something (as an instrument or apparatus) used in performing an operation or necessary in the practice of a vocation or profession <a scholar's books are his
tools>
b : a means to an end <a book's cover can be a marketing
tool>
c often vulgar : [size=-1]PENIS[/size]
3 : one that is used or manipulated by another
4 plural : natural ability <has all the
tools>
synonym see
[size=-1]IMPLEMENT[/size]