knurling

[ nur-ling ]

/ ˈnɜr lɪŋ /

noun

a series of knurls, as on a knob.

Architecture. knulling.

Nearby words

knulling, knur, knurl, knurl toe, knurled, knurling, knurly, knussen, knut, knäckebröd, ko

Origin of knurling

First recorded in 1605–15; knurl + -ing¹

Definition for knurling (2 of 2)

knurl

or nurl

[ nurl ]

/ nɜrl /

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. 2019

Examples from the Web for knurling

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
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

British Dictionary definitions for knurling

knurl

nurl

/ (nɜːl) /

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.