corkscrew

American  

[kawrk-skroo] / ˈkɔrkˌskru /

noun

1. an instrument typically consisting of a metal spiral with a sharp point at one end and a transverse handle at the other, used for drawing corks from bottles.

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adjective

1. resembling a corkscrew; helical; spiral.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to move in a spiral or zigzag course.

corkscrew British  

/ ˈkɔːkˌskruː /

noun

1. a device for drawing corks from bottles, typically consisting of a pointed metal spiral attached to a handle or screw mechanism

2. slang boxing a blow that ends with a twist of the fist, esp one intended to cut the opponent

3. (modifier) resembling a corkscrew in shape

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verb

1. to move or cause to move in a spiral or zigzag course

Etymology

Origin of corkscrew

First recorded in 1805–15; cork + screw

Example Sentences

Once the eggs hatch, the maggots burrow into flesh in a corkscrew motion, which is how the insect got its name.

From Science Daily

This time I swam the corkscrew, a crazy stroke my kids learned at summer camp, where you do a freestyle stroke, roll into a back stroke, then over again into a freestyle stroke.

From Los Angeles Times

With her electric green eyes, corkscrew hair and husky contralto voice, Dame Cleo became the most recognisable British jazz singer in history.

From BBC

In fact, the French more or less conquered Southern California, not by the bayonet but by the corkscrew.

From Los Angeles Times

Equal parts object of design and functionality, this accordion-style corkscrew wine opener is made of nickel-plated steel and was first invented in France in the 1920s.

From Los Angeles Times

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