Definition

Noun: 1. A type of fastener: A threaded nut with two flat, wing-like projections that allow it to be tightened or loosened by hand using thumb and forefinger leverage, without requiring a tool. 2. A type of tree: Any tree belonging to the genus Pterocarya, characterized by producing small, winged nutlets as fruit. These trees are native to a region from the Caucasus to southeastern Asia.

Examples

• Fastener meaning:
  • The old furniture was assembled using wing-nuts, so it was easy to take apart for moving.
  • For a temporary connection, just secure the pipe with a wing-nut so you can adjust it later.
• Tree meaning:
  • The wing-nut tree in the arboretum is known for its long, hanging clusters of seeds.
  • Botanists study the wing-nut species native to the Caucasus region.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in mechanical and DIY contexts to describe a fastener designed for quick assembly and disassembly where high torque is not required.
• In botanical contexts, the name directly describes the tree's distinctive fruit—a nutlet with a wing-like structure for wind dispersal.

Variants and Related Words

• Wingnut (one word): A common alternative spelling, especially for the fastener.
• Butterfly nut: A synonym for the fastener, referencing the wing-like projections.
• Thumb nut: Another synonym emphasizing its hand-tightened function.
• Nutlet: The small, simple, dry fruit of the wing-nut tree.

Synonyms

• For the fastener: Butterfly nut, thumb nut, hand nut.
• For the tree: (the scientific genus name).

Related Phrases

• Wing screw: A screw with a wing-like head, designed for the same hand-tightened purpose as a wing-nut.

Noun

1. a threaded nut with winglike projections for thumb and forefinger leverage in turning
2. any tree of the genus Pterocarya; fruit is a small winged nutlet; Caucasus to southeastern Asia