screw

screw [skro͞o]

n.

[ME screwe < MFr escroue, hole in which the screw turns < L scrofa, sow, infl. by scrobis, vulva]

1.

a) a mechanical device for fastening things together, consisting essentially of a cylindrical or conical piece of metal threaded evenly around its outside surface with an advancing spiral ridge and commonly having a slotted head: it penetrates only by being turned, as with a screwdriver: also called male screw

b) the internal thread, or helical groove, as of a nut, into which a male screw, bolt, etc. can be turned: also called female screw

c) the act or an instance of turning such a screw

2. any of various devices operating or threaded like a screw, as a jackscrew or screw propeller

3.

a) anything that spirals or twists like the thread of a screw

b) the act of spiraling, twisting, or moving like this

4. Slang a prison guard

5. Chiefly Brit. a small amount of tobacco, salt, etc. in a twist of paper

6. [Slang, Chiefly Brit.]

a) a stingy person; miser

b) a crafty bargainer

c) a worn-out horse

7. [Brit. Slang] a salary

8. [Vulgar Slang]

a) an act or instance of sexual intercourse

b) a person with whom one engages in sexual intercourse, often, specif., one of specified competence

vt.

1. to twist; turn; tighten

2.

a) to fasten, make secure, tighten, insert, etc. with or as with a screw or screws

b) to put together or take apart with a screwlike motion

3. to twist out of natural shape; contort [to screw one's face up]

4. to make stronger; intensify: often with up

5. to force or compel, as if by using screws

6. Slang

a) to cheat; swindle

b) to treat unfairly

7. [Vulgar Slang] to have sexual intercourse with

vi.

1. to go together or come apart by being turned or twisted in the manner of a screw [a lid that screws on]

2. to twist; turn; wind; have a motion like that of a screw

3. [Vulgar Slang] to engage in sexual intercourse

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have a screw loose

Slang to be eccentric, odd, etc.

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☆ put the screws on or put the screws to

Informal to subject to force; exert pressure on, as in exacting payment; coerce

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screw around

Slang to waste time

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☆ screw up

Informal to make a mess of, as by ineptness; bungle; foul up