unscrew

[ uhn-skroo ]

verb (used with object)

1. to draw or loosen a screw from (a hinge, bracket, etc.).
2. to unfasten or withdraw by turning, as a screw or lid.
3. to open (a jar, bottle, etc.) by turning the lid or cover.

verb (used without object)

1. to permit of being unscrewed.

unscrew

/ ʌnˈskruː /

verb

1. tr to draw or remove a screw from (an object)
2. tr to loosen (a screw, lid, etc) by rotating continuously, usually in an anticlockwise direction
3. intr (esp of an engaged threaded part) to become loosened or separated

   the lid wouldn't unscrew

Word History and Origins

Origin of unscrew¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; un- ² + screw

Example Sentences

But, it makes the bottle a lot easier to drink from since I don’t have to unscrew the cap all the time.

From Popular-Science

The hard drive slot has a cover, which you’ll need to unscrew.

From Popular-Science

The back of its handle unscrews, and the spare carving points can be stored inside it.

From Popular-Science

The adapter accessory works just fine, but when you unscrew the QuadCast S from its stand, two plastic washers fall out which are nearly impossible to put back.

From Popular-Science

A couple screws in a panel on the low ceiling above me, half unscrewed, danced in their sockets.

From Popular-Science

To unscrew the cover, the tool is turned over and the handle turned in the opposite direction.

From Project Gutenberg

The cap should have a square nut for a wrench to tighten or unscrew the cap.

From Project Gutenberg

There was also a pistol-key to unscrew the pistol for the purpose of loading, and some sand-paper and a pistol-mould.

From Project Gutenberg

Sam Burkholder slouched over to the car and began to unscrew the radiator cap.

From Project Gutenberg

If split pins are used, be sure to see that they are used in such a way that the nut cannot possibly unscrew at all.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• alleviate
• break up
• ease
• loose
• relax
• slacken
• undo
• unlock
• untie