unscrewing
Removing by rotation
Unscrewing is the act of loosening or removing something by turning it counterclockwise—the reverse of screwing in.
You unscrew a lid from a jar, a lightbulb from its socket, or a bolt from a fitting: She was unscrewing the cap when the bottle slipped.
Figuratively, to be unscrewing can suggest coming apart or losing composure.
Taking apart systematically
- disassemblingTaking something apart
- taking apartSeparating into components
- stripping downRemoving clothing or components
- deconstructingBreaking into constituent elements
demounting · detaching · removing · unfastening · unfixing · separating · extracting · disconnecting
Rotating with distortion
- counter-clockwiseOpposite rotational direction
- rotationTurning on an axis
- turningAct of rotating
- wrenchingForceful turning or yanking
slackening · untwisting · unwinding · easing · loosening · torque · threads · grip
Covering for top
- lidRemovable container cover
- bottleContainer for liquids
- jarWide-mouthed storage vessel
- valveFluid flow controller
faucet · nozzle · twist-off · knob · seal · container · flask · vial
Tool for turning fasteners
- pliersHinged metal gripping tool
- hex keySix-sided fastener driver
- socketHollow receiving cavity
- spannerTool for turning nuts
Phillips · flathead · Allen wrench · power drill · ratchet · bit · handle · manual
Preserving working condition
- servicingPerforming routine maintenance
- fixingRestoring proper function
- mechanicVehicle maintenance professional
- workbenchCraftsman's heavy-duty surface
replacement · inspection · troubleshooting · reassembly · DIY · installation · adjustment · restoration
dismantling
Taking apart systematically
- disassemblingTaking something apart
- taking apartSeparating into components
- stripping downRemoving clothing or components
deconstructing · demounting · detaching · removing · unfastening · unfixing · separating · extracting · disconnecting · panel
twisting
Rotating with distortion
- counter-clockwiseOpposite rotational direction
- rotationTurning on an axis
- turningAct of rotating
wrenching · slackening · untwisting · unwinding · easing · loosening · torque · threads · grip · leverage
cap
Covering for top
valve · faucet · nozzle · twist-off · knob · seal · container · flask · vial · thermos
wrench
Tool for turning fasteners
spanner · Phillips · flathead · Allen wrench · power drill · ratchet · bit · handle · manual · electric
maintenance
Preserving working condition
- servicingPerforming routine maintenance
- fixingRestoring proper function
- mechanicVehicle maintenance professional
workbench · replacement · inspection · troubleshooting · reassembly · DIY · installation · adjustment · restoration · refurbishment
- separatingseparating, detaching, disconnecting, dividing, splitting
- disassemblydismantling, teardown, detaching, unfastening, taking apart
- tinkeringfiddling, puttering, pottering, tweaking, dabbling