unbolted

¹ American  

[uhn-bohl-tid] / ʌnˈboʊl tɪd /

adjective

1. not fastened or secured, as with a bolt or bolts.

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unbolted ² American  

[uhn-bohl-tid] / ʌnˈboʊl tɪd /

adjective

1. not sifted, as grain.

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unbolted British  

/ ʌnˈbəʊltɪd /

adjective

1. (of grain, meal, or flour) not sifted

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Etymology

Origin of unbolted¹

First recorded in 1570–80; un- ¹ + bolt ¹ + -ed ²

Origin of unbolted²

First recorded in 1560–70; un- ¹ + bolt ² + -ed ²

Explanation

If something's unbolted, it's not locked or latched. Don't leave the back gate unbolted when you leave, or the goats will get out! When something is unbolted, its lock or bolt hasn't been secured in place. You can also say it's unlocked or unlatched. An unbolted front door can be opened by turning the knob, and an unbolted bike lock is basically useless against bicycle thieves. Unbolted comes from bolt, which as a noun has meant "stout pin for fastening objects together" since the 15th century.

Example Sentences

Unbolted homes can suffer damage as high as $400,000 in an earthquake, while the cost of a retrofit is usually between $2,000 and $10,000, and an average of $5,000.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2015

Unbolted wheat bread is more healthy than hot flour cakes; ripe fruits and vegetables than rich pies, or jellies.

From A Treatise on Anatomy, Physiology, and Hygiene (Revised Edition) by Cutter, Calvin

Unbolted flour is used for making brown or Graham bread.

From A Treatise on Physiology and Hygiene For Educational Institutions and General Readers by Hutchison, Joseph Chrisman

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