butterfly-nut

butterfly-nut

A mechanic tightens a butterfly-nut on the engine panel.

Definition

Noun: - A type of nut (hardware): A "butterfly-nut" is a nut with two large wings or flanges, designed to be tightened or loosened by hand without the use of tools, commonly used in mechanical or technical contexts.

Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • He used a butterfly-nut to secure the bracket, as it allowed for quick adjustments by hand. (A nut with wings for manual tightening.)
    • The technician replaced the standard nut with a butterfly-nut for easier access during maintenance. (A nut designed for hand operation.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to use a butterfly-nut": to employ a wing nut for fastening.
    • The assembly instructions recommended using a butterfly-nut for the top panel. (The instructions suggested a hand-tightenable nut.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Butterfly (n): the insect; also used metaphorically for wing-shaped objects.
    • The butterfly-nut gets its name from its resemblance to a butterfly's wings. (The nut's shape is similar to the insect's wings.)
  • Nut (n): a fastener with a threaded hole that fits onto a bolt.
    • A butterfly-nut is a specialized type of nut. (It is a fastener with wings.)
Synonyms
  • Wing nut: a common term for a butterfly-nut.
    • Please fasten the wing nut tightly. (Use the butterfly-nut.)
  • Thumb nut: another term for a nut designed for hand tightening.
    • The thumb nut is easier to operate than a standard nut. (A butterfly-nut is a type of thumb nut.)
Related Idioms
  • (No common idioms directly involve "butterfly-nut" as a hardware term.)