squilgee

A sailor uses a squilgee to clear water from the deck.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A rubber-bladed tool: "squilgee" refers to a tool with a rubber blade, often attached to a handle, used for cleaning surfaces. It is commonly used to remove water, soap, or dirt from windows, floors, or other smooth surfaces.
   • A rubber roller: In certain contexts, it can also mean a rubber roller used for pressing photographs onto a surface to ensure adhesion.

2. Verb:

   • To clean with a squeegee: The action of using a squilgee to wipe or scrape a surface clean of liquid or debris.
   • To press with a roller: In photography or printmaking, it means to use a rubber roller to press a print or photograph onto a surface for even adhesion.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The janitor used a squilgee to clean the large glass windows in the lobby. (A rubber-bladed tool for removing water from glass.)
  • She picked up the squilgee to wipe the excess water off the bathroom mirror. (A tool for cleaning smooth surfaces.)

• Verb:

  • He had to squilgee the floor after mopping to prevent streaks. (To use a rubber tool to remove liquid.)
  • The artist squilgeed the photograph onto the mounting board. (To press with a rubber roller for adhesion.)

Advanced Usage

• "to squilgee a surface": to clean or dry a surface by using a rubber-bladed tool.

  • After washing the car, they squilgeed the windows to remove all water spots. (They wiped the windows clean with a rubber tool.)

• "squilgee the print": in photography, to use a roller to press a print onto a backing.

  • The darkroom technician squilgeed the print to eliminate air bubbles. (The technician rolled out air bubbles.)

Variants and Related Words

• Squeegee (n, v): A common variant spelling of "squilgee," with the same meanings.

  • I need a squeegee for the shower door. (A rubber-bladed tool for cleaning.)

• Squeegee is more widely used in modern English, while "squilgee" is a less common alternative.

Synonyms

• Wiper: a tool or device used for wiping surfaces clean.
• Scraper: a tool with a blade for removing substances from a surface.
• Roller: a cylindrical tool used for applying or pressing materials.

Phrasal Verbs

• Squilgee off: to remove something by using a squilgee.

  • He squilgeed off the excess paint from the window. (He scraped away the extra paint with a rubber blade.)

• Squilgee down: to clean or dry a surface thoroughly with a squilgee.

  • The cleaner squilgeed down the entire floor after mopping. (She cleaned the floor with a rubber tool.)

Related Idioms

• No direct idioms: "squilgee" is a specific, technical term and does not commonly appear in idiomatic expressions. However, in cleaning contexts, one might say "give it a squilgee" meaning to quickly clean a surface with the tool.