Definition

Noun: A small nail or tack made of tinned iron (iron coated with a thin layer of tin to prevent rust).

Usage

A "tintack" is a specific type of small fastener. It is used to attach lightweight materials, such as fabric, paper, or thin wood, to surfaces like walls or boards. The tin coating provides protection against corrosion.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Descriptive Context: The term is somewhat dated and often evokes a specific, traditional type of hardware. It might be used in historical descriptions, DIY contexts, or when specifying the material of the tack.
  • The upholsterer preferred using traditional tintacks for the restoration project.

Variants and Related Words

• Tack (noun): A short, sharp-pointed nail with a broad, flat head.
• Brad (noun): A thin, small nail with a slight projection at the top instead of a full head.
• Drawing pin (noun, chiefly British): A short pin with a broad, flat head, used for fastening paper to a surface. (Note: This is typically made of brass or steel, not specifically tinned iron.)

Synonyms

• Small nail
• Iron tack
• Fastener

Notes

• The word is a compound of "tin" and "tack," directly describing the material. It is not commonly used in everyday modern language, with more general terms like "thumbtack," "pushpin," or simply "tack" being more frequent.

Noun

1. tack or small nail of tinned iron