tool
Means to accomplish
A tool is an implement used to accomplish a task—hammers, screwdrivers, saws.
The meaning extends to anything that serves a purpose: Language is a tool for communication.
Software tools help users perform specific functions.
To tool is to drive casually: tooling around town.
In slang, a tool is a person easily manipulated or one who's obnoxiously trying too hard—an insult suggesting someone lacks independent thought: Don't be such a tool.
Tool for striking nails
- screwdriverTool for turning fasteners
- wrenchTool for turning fasteners
- pliersHinged metal gripping tool
- chiselEdged carving implement
saw · drill · clamp · file · mallet · awl · level · tape measure
Controlled performing figure
- stoogeEasily manipulated pawn
- lackeyServile follower or minion
- minionServile subordinate
- instrumentDevice for specific tasks
dupe · pawn · patsy · cat's-paw · proxy · accomplice · agent · operative
Craft of shaping lumber
- carpentryWood construction trade
- metalworkShaped metal objects
- blacksmithingForging iron by hand
- forgeFurnace for shaping metal
anvil · lathe · workbench · jig · workshop · pottery · leatherwork · glassblowing
Programs directing computer operations
- appMobile device software
- pluginModular software extension
- widgetUnspecified small device
- utilityFunctional worth or purpose
dashboard · interface · automation · script · algorithm · extension · platform · suite
Precise surgical knife
- stethoscopeMedical listening instrument
- microscopeInstrument for viewing minute objects
- telescopeInstrument magnifying faraway objects
- caliperTool measuring thickness or diameter
compass · thermometer · spectrometer · oscilloscope · voltmeter · protractor · sextant · barometer
hammer
Tool for striking nails
- screwdriverTool for turning fasteners
- wrenchTool for turning fasteners
- pliersHinged metal gripping tool
chisel · saw · drill · clamp · file · mallet · awl · level · tape measure · utility knife
puppet
Controlled performing figure
instrument · dupe · pawn · patsy · cat's-paw · proxy · accomplice · agent · operative · henchman
woodworking
Craft of shaping lumber
- carpentryWood construction trade
- metalworkShaped metal objects
- blacksmithingForging iron by hand
forge · anvil · lathe · workbench · jig · workshop · pottery · leatherwork · glassblowing · marquetry
software
Programs directing computer operations
utility · dashboard · interface · automation · script · algorithm · extension · platform · suite · diagnostic
scalpel
Precise surgical knife
- stethoscopeMedical listening instrument
- microscopeInstrument for viewing minute objects
- telescopeInstrument magnifying faraway objects
caliper · compass · thermometer · spectrometer · oscilloscope · voltmeter · protractor · sextant · barometer · gauge
prick
Pierce lightly with point
fool · jerk · buffoon · blockhead · dunce · dimwit · nitwit · simpleton · dolt · nincompoop
toolbare hands
Ungloved, unequipped extremities
natural ability · instinct · brute force · direct action · manual labor
tooluser
One who operates something
master · operator · controller · wielder · puppeteer
toolpuppeteer
Performer controlling jointed figures
mastermind · manipulator · con artist · trickster · operator
- sweet toothFondness for desserts
- wisdom toothLate-erupting back molar
- tooth fairyMythical incisor purchaser
- baby toothChild's first tooth
- power toolsMotor-driven implements
- tooth decayProgressive dental deterioration
tooth, tools, toolbox, toolshed, tooled, tooling, toolbar, toolmaker, toolmakers