Word: Emery Stone
Definition: An emery stone is a type of grinding tool made from a mixture of emery dust (which is a hard mineral) and a binder that holds it together. It is typically shaped into a round object called a grindstone, which is used to grind or sharpen other materials, like metal or wood.
Usage Instructions: - Common Context: You will find emery stones in workshops, tool shops, and places where people work with metal or wood. - How to Use: When you want to sharpen a knife or smooth out a piece of wood, you can use an emery stone by rubbing the item against it.
Example: - "To sharpen the garden tools, he used an emery stone, making them ready for the next planting season."
Advanced Usage: In more technical contexts, emery stones are used in various industries, including manufacturing and construction, for their abrasive qualities.
Word Variants: - Emery (noun): Refers to the mineral itself, which is used to make emery stones. - Emery paper (noun): A type of sandpaper that uses emery dust as an abrasive material.
Different Meanings:While "emery stone" specifically refers to the grinding tool, "emery" on its own can refer to the abrasive mineral used in various forms of grinding and polishing materials.
Synonyms: - Grindstone - Abrasive stone - Sharpening stone
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "emery stone." However, the term "to grind something down" can be used in a broader context to mean reducing something to a finer state, similar to how an emery stone works.
In Summary: An emery stone is a practical tool for sharpening and smoothing surfaces.