washer

[wosh-er, waw-sher]

noun

1. a person or thing that washes.

2. washing machine.

3. a flat ring or perforated piece of leather, rubber, metal, etc., used to give tightness to a joint, to prevent leakage, to distribute pressure, etc., as under the head of a nut or bolt.

washer

/ ˈwɒʃə /

noun

1. a person or thing that washes

2. a flat ring or drilled disc of metal used under the head of a bolt or nut to spread the load when tightened

3. any flat ring of rubber, felt, metal, etc, used to provide a seal under a nut or in a tap or valve seat

4. See washing machine

5. chemical engineering a device for cleaning or washing gases or vapours; scrubber

6. a face cloth; flannel

Other Word Forms

• washerless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of washer¹

Middle English word dating back to 1275–1325; wash, -er ¹

Example Sentences

The 22 suppliers will provide steel, resin, parts and components for GE Appliances to make washers and combination washer-and-dryer machines at a renovated factory in Louisville, Ky.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Methanol is a toxic industrial alcohol used in antifreeze, windscreen washer fluid and paint thinner.

Read more on BBC

The company said earlier this month it plans to spend $300 million to update two Ohio factories where it produces washers and dryers.

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Methanol is an industrial chemical found in antifreeze and windscreen washer fluid.

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They were apparently drawn by vibrations from their equipment, including a dry washer and a generator.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal