lathe
[ leyth ]
/ leɪð /
noun
a machine for use in working wood, metal, etc., that holds the material and rotates it about a horizontal axis against a tool that shapes it.
verb (used with object), lathed, lath·ing.
to cut, shape, or otherwise treat on a lathe.
Nearby words
latest, latex, latex agglutination test, latex paint, lath, lathe, lather, lathery, lathi, lathing, lathing hammer
Origin of lathe
1300–50; Middle English: frame, stand, lathe; compare Old Norse hlath stack (see lade), Danish -lad in væverlad weaver's batten, savelad saw bench
Can be confused
lath latheDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for lathe
British Dictionary definitions for lathe (1 of 2)
lathe
1/ (leɪð) /
noun
a machine for shaping, boring, facing, or cutting a screw thread in metal, wood, etc, in which the workpiece is turned about a horizontal axis against a fixed tool
verb
(tr) to shape, bore, or cut a screw thread in or on (a workpiece) on a lathe
Word Origin for lathe
perhaps C15 lath a support, of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Danish lad lathe, Old English hlæd heap
British Dictionary definitions for lathe (2 of 2)
lathe
2/ (leɪð) /
noun
British history any of the former administrative divisions of Kent
Word Origin for lathe
Old English læth district
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