The word "stem-winder" is a noun that has a couple of meanings, but it is most commonly known as a type of watch. Let's break it down for you:
Definition:
Watch Meaning: A stem-winder is a watch that you wind up by turning a knob (called a stem) on the side of the watch. This winding process gives power to the watch's movement, allowing it to keep time.
Figurative Meaning: It can also refer to a speech or talk that is very exciting or inspiring, often motivating people to take action.
Usage Instructions:
When using "stem-winder" in the context of watches, you might talk about how to wind it up to keep it running.
In the figurative sense, it can be used to describe a powerful speech or presentation.
Examples:
Watch Example: "My grandfather's old stem-winder watch still works perfectly after all these years."
Speech Example: "The politician gave a stem-winder that energized the crowd and got everyone cheering."
Advanced Usage:
In discussions about vintage or classic items, you might say, "The collection includes several beautiful stem-winder watches from the early 20th century."
In a more formal context, you could describe a speech as "a stem-winder that galvanized the audience into action."
Word Variants:
There are no direct variants of "stem-winder," but you might see it used in its plural form, "stem-winders," when referring to multiple watches.
Different Meanings:
Synonyms:
For the watch meaning, there are no direct synonyms, but you might refer to it simply as a "manual watch."
For the figurative meaning, synonyms include "inspirational speech," "rallying cry," or "motivational talk."
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
Summary:
In summary, "stem-winder" can refer to a type of watch that is wound by a knob or to an exciting speech that inspires action.