Metalworking Vocabulary

noun a rough, prickly seed case or fruit that clings to fur or clothing

verb to make a whirring noise like that of a burr

• The burr on the metal surface was carefully sanded down to create a smooth finish.
• I always get a burr on my sweater when I walk through that bush.
• Hey man, you've got a burr in your saddle about that issue.
• The burr of resentment between them only grew stronger over time.

noun an object made by pouring molten metal or other material into a mold

• The casting for the new play will take place next week.
• I heard they're casting for a new movie in town.
• I'm thinking of casting my vote for that candidate.
• Her words had a casting effect on the audience, leaving them spellbound.

noun a weak spot in a defense or argument

• The light filtered through the small chink in the wall.
• I could see a chink in his armor when he started to doubt himself.
• She's always finding a chink in the system to exploit.
• Despite their differences, they managed to find a chink in the armor of their opponents.

verb to carve, cut, or etch a design or inscription into a surface

• The jeweler used a laser to engrave the intricate design onto the metal pendant.
• I'm thinking of engraving our initials on this bracelet as a gift for our anniversary.
• I'm gonna engrave my name on this skateboard so no one steals it.
• The memory of that moment is forever engraved in my mind.

noun a tool consisting of a handle with a heavy metal head attached at a right angle, used for breaking things or driving in nails

conjunction used together as a phrase to indicate intensity or forceful action

• The blacksmith worked diligently, using hammer and tongs to shape the hot metal into a horseshoe.
• He was going at it hammer and tongs, trying to finish the project before the deadline.
• The two teams were going at each other hammer and tongs on the football field.
• The debate between the two politicians was heated, with both of them going at it hammer and tongs to prove their point.

noun a small, raised ridge or bead on a surface, especially on metal or wood

verb to make small, raised ridges on a surface

• The knurl on the handle provides a better grip for the user.
• I like the knurl on this tool, it makes it easier to hold.
• Check out the cool knurl on this bike's handlebars!
• The knurl of life's challenges can help us grasp onto new opportunities.

noun the act of gently touching or overlapping something

verb to move or flow with a gentle, rippling sound

adjective describing something that is continuously touching or overlapping

• The waves were lapping gently against the shore.
• I love sitting by the beach and listening to the waves lapping.
• The dog was lapping up the water from his bowl.
• The runner was lapping the other competitors on the track.

verb to satisfy or extinguish (a thirst, desire, or feeling)

• The scientist conducted an experiment to quench the thirst of knowledge in the field of quantum physics.
• I always keep a bottle of water with me to quench my thirst throughout the day.
• After the game, we went to the bar to quench our thirst with some cold ones.
• She read books voraciously to quench her thirst for adventure and excitement.

noun a mark or impression made by pressing or striking

verb to impress or mark with a stamp

• The machine was used for precision stamping of metal parts.
• I love stamping my passport with all the different countries I've visited.
• She's really good at stamping out rumors before they spread.
• His words had a stamping effect on her emotions, leaving her feeling shaken.

noun a game involving two players, one of whom attempts to tag the other

verb to touch or tag someone in the game of tag

• The TIG welding process is commonly used in the manufacturing industry.
• I learned how to do TIG welding in my metalworking class.
• I heard he's a real TIG when it comes to fixing cars.
• Her determination to succeed was like a TIG, never giving up despite the obstacles.