noun
lathe
layth
Lathe (noun) means a machine that shapes a piece of wood, metal, or other material by spinning it against a cutting tool. Example: “He turned the table leg on a lathe.”
noun
1
A machine that shapes a piece of wood, metal, or other material by spinning it against a cutting tool.
"The accidental amputation was due to the guard not being on the lathe."
"He shaped the bedpost by turning it on a lathe."
"He turned the table leg on a lathe."
verb
1
To shape something using a lathe.
"She lathed a set of matching wooden bowls."
How to use lathe
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA spinning workshop machine for shaping wood or metal, or the act of shaping something on one.
Common pairings
turn on a lathe
lathe operator
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Word forms
- Plural
- lathes
- Third person singular
- lathes
- Past tense
- lathed
Fill the gap
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He turned the table leg on a _____.
Etymology
Ultimately from Old English laþian ("to invite, summon"); the "turning machine" sense developed later and its exact link to the older word is debated.
Rhymes for lathe
See all rhymes for lathe →Frequently asked questions
What does “lathe” mean?
The word “lathe” means a machine that shapes a piece of wood, metal, or other material by spinning it against a cutting tool. In plain terms, a spinning workshop machine for shaping wood or metal, or the act of shaping something on one.
How do you pronounce “lathe”?
“Lathe” is pronounced layth (/leɪð/ in IPA).
How do you use “lathe” in a sentence?
Here is “lathe” used in a sentence: “He turned the table leg on a lathe.”
What part of speech is “lathe”?
Depending on how it is used, “lathe” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “lathe” come from?
The word “lathe” comes from Old English. Ultimately from Old English laþian ("to invite, summon"); the "turning machine" sense developed later and its exact link to the older word is debated.
How many meanings does “lathe” have?
“Lathe” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a machine that shapes a piece of wood, metal, or other material by spinning it against a cutting tool.
