trowel
|trow/el|
B2
/ˈtraʊəl/
small hand tool for spreading or digging
Etymology
Etymology Information
'trowel' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'truelle', where 'truelle' meant 'small shovel'.
Historical Evolution
'truelle' transformed into the Middle English word 'trowel', and eventually became the modern English word 'trowel'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'small shovel', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a tool for spreading mortar or digging'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small hand tool with a flat, pointed blade, used to apply and spread mortar or plaster.
The mason used a trowel to spread the mortar evenly.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/17 23:06