Meaning
A (usually) metal fastener consisting of a cylindrical body that is threaded, with a larger head on one end. It can be inserted into an unthreaded hole up to the head, with a nut then threaded on the other end; a heavy machine screw.
Etymology
Origin: Old English
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *bʰeld- Proto-Indo-European *-os Proto-Indo-European *bʰóldos? Proto-Germanic *bultaz Proto-West Germanic *bolt Old English bolt Middle English bolt English bolt From Middle English bolt, from Old English bolt, from Proto-West Germanic *bolt, from Proto-Germanic *bultaz, perhaps from Proto-Indo-European *bʰeld- (“to knock, strike”). Compare Lithuanian beldu (“I knock”), baldas (“pole for striking”). Akin to Dutch and West Frisian bout, German Bolz or Bolzen, Danish bolt, Swedish bult, Icelandic bolti. The association of thunder and lightning with 'bolts' is found back into prehistory in many cultures, at least in Eurasia. It comes from the long-standing widespread belief that lightning was caused by bolts, darts, or stones hurtling down from the sky to the earth. This belief was still regarded as commonplace until at least 1929.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 15 recorded puzzles:
- 2026-09-19BGILNOT
- 2026-03-30TBELNOV
- 2025-12-21TOALCBK
- 2025-11-23LBTOMNE
- 2025-02-01OBTFELU
- 2025-01-16BYOLNAT
- 2025-01-01TOLBGNA
- 2024-10-12OTBLNIH
- 2024-09-12BAOLHMT
- 2024-08-23BAPLEOT
- 2024-08-16TYARLBO
- 2024-08-11BTACKOL
+3 earlier appearances in the archive.