countersink
Americanverb (used with object)
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to enlarge the upper part of (a cavity), especially by chamfering, to receive the cone-shaped head of a screw, bolt, etc.
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to cause (the head of a screw, bolt, etc.) to sink into a prepared depression so as to be flush with or below the surface.
noun
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a tool for countersinking a hole.
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a countersunk hole.
verb
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to enlarge the upper part of (a hole) in timber, metal, etc, so that the head of a bolt or screw can be sunk below the surface
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to drive (a screw) or sink (a bolt) into such an enlarged hole
noun
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Also called: countersink bit. a tool for countersinking
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a countersunk depression or hole
Other Word Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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countersinksimple
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countersinkssimple
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have countersunkperfect
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has countersunkperfect
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am countersinkingprogressive
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are countersinkingprogressive
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is countersinkingprogressive
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have been countersinkingperfect progressive
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has been countersinkingperfect progressive
Past
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countersanksimple
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had countersunkperfect
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was countersinkingprogressive
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were countersinkingprogressive
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had been countersinkingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of countersink
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Each takes up the question of how American infamy functioned as an unexamined countersink to the easy legend of American virtue.
From Slate ● Jun. 20, 2019
He had taught his sons to "fell a tree, sow, cultivate and harvest, save money, countersink a nail, make cider with a hand press, clean a gun, sail a boat, etc."
From Time Magazine Archive
When drilling holes in fiberglass, first drill a tiny pilot hole, then use a countersink bit to bevel the edges before drilling a larger hole.
From Time Magazine Archive
“Was it the countersink that made it explode?” he asked.
From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam
How about we countersink the nozzle, one side or the other or both?
From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam
The smaller sizes of countersinks are sometimes made as in Fig.
From Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Rose, Joshua
Then there are punches, broaches, drills, calipers, countersinks, files, etc., etc.
From Scientific American Supplement, No. 664, September 22,1888 by Various
In one corner of the large basement was a good-sized workbench, lighted by two windows, and equipped with several neatly-arranged shelves, which now held a divers collection of chisels, bits, countersinks, etc.
From Around the World in Ten Days by Fraser, Chelsea Curtis
CalipersToList Files for various descriptions, countersinks, frame and hack saws.
From Practical Mechanics for Boys by Zerbe, James Slough
We also like that it comes with countersunk washers and brass screws, which give this holder a streamlined look when hung.
From Slate ● Jan. 4, 2019
The chocks in which these boats rest are provided with gunmetal wheels, which run in transverse gunmetal tracks, countersunk on the deck.
From Scientific American ● Apr. 11, 2012
Bases should be secured with through-bolts countersunk into the outside of the hull.
From Time Magazine Archive
Before the last finishing nail is driven and countersunk, Judith has earned the admiration and respect of the crew by swinging her own hammer.
From Time Magazine Archive
Besides the countersunk nozzle, Mr. Caton showed off his new design for attaching the fins to the casement.
From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam
I told him I thought countersinking the nozzle was a good idea.
From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam
Fasten the upper ends of the knee braces to the uprights with the 8-in. bolts put through the holes bored for that purpose, and countersinking the heads.
From The Boy Mechanic: Volume 1 700 Things for Boys to Do by Popular Mechanics Co.
Another and simple form of square centre for countersinking is shown in Fig.
From Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Rose, Joshua
These indentations are produced after the countersinking by the punch, shown in Fig.
From Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Rose, Joshua
That is to say, rivet holes in plates to be riveted should have the burr or sharp edge taken off, either by countersinking, by reamer, or set.
From Scientific American Supplement, No. 810, July 11, 1891 by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
