Wrench
/rɛntʃ/noun
A tool used for gripping and turning objects, especially nuts and bolts.
Did you know?The word 'wrench' is believed to originate from an Old English term that relates to twisting or turning, evoking ancient ideas of physical manipulation and control.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wer-
“to turn, twist, or bend.”
Old English
Old English
wrenċan
“to twist or turn.”
Middle English
Middle English
wrench
“to twist or pull violently; to distort.”
14th Century
Middle English
wrenche
“a tool for twisting or turning, especially in mechanical contexts.”
Modern English
English
wrench
“the modern tool used for gripping and turning, retaining the twisting connotation.”