knurling

[nur-ling]

noun

a series of knurls, as on a knob.
Architecture. knulling.

Origin of knurling

First recorded in 1605–15; knurl + -ing¹

knurl

or nurl

[nurl]

noun

a small ridge or bead, especially one of a series, as on a button for decoration or on the edge of a thumbscrew to assist in obtaining a firm grip.
a knur.

verb (used with object)

to make knurls or ridges on.

Origin of knurl

1600–10; earlier knurle (noun). See knur, -le

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for knurling

Historical Examples of knurling

Concave knurls are sometimes used for knurling rounded edges on screw heads, etc.
Turning and Boring
Franklin D. Jones
The two knurls are on opposite sides of the work so that the pressure of knurling is equalized.
Turning and Boring
Franklin D. Jones
Another machine puts the knurling around—forming the lubricating grooves, and another groove.
Warren Commission (3 of 26): Hearings Vol. III (of 15)
The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
It is actually a knurling process, you can see the knurling marks.
Warren Commission (3 of 26): Hearings Vol. III (of 15)
The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy

British Dictionary definitions for knurling

knurl

nurl

verb (tr)

to impress with a series of fine ridges or serrations

noun

a small ridge, esp one of a series providing a rough surface that can be gripped

Word Origin for knurl

C17: probably from knur

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for knurling

knurl

"hard excrescence," c.1600, probably a diminutive of Middle English knor "knot" (c.1400), related to gnarl, from Proto-Germanic *knur- (cf. German knorren "a knotty excrescence"). Related: Knurly.