bolt
Meaning: A threaded metal fastener used with a nut to join components together. Also, a sliding bar for securing a door, or a flash of lightning.
The engineering bolt is distinguished from a screw by requiring a nut to clamp components together. Bolts come in many types — hex bolts, carriage bolts, anchor bolts — and are specified by diameter, thread pitch, length, and grade. Beyond engineering, 'bolt' has numerous meanings: a door bolt, a bolt of lightning, a bolt of fabric, and idioms like 'bolt from the blue' (a sudden surprise) and 'bolt upright' (suddenly straight). As a verb, it also means to run away suddenly.
Examples
- The steel beams were secured with high-strength bolts torqued to the engineer's specification. 钢梁用高强度螺栓按照工程师的规格拧紧固定。Las vigas de acero se aseguraron con pernos de alta resistencia apretados según las especificaciones del ingeniero.鋼の梁はエンジニアの仕様に従ってトルク締めされた高強度ボルトで固定されました。강철 보는 엔지니어의 사양에 맞게 토크 조임된 고강도 볼트로 고정되었습니다.
- She bolted the door before going to bed, checking it twice out of habit. 她睡前把门栓插上,出于习惯还检查了两遍。Echó el cerrojo de la puerta antes de acostarse, comprobándolo dos veces por costumbre.彼女は就寝前にドアのかんぬきを掛け、習慣で二度確認しました。그녀는 잠자리에 들기 전에 문 빗장을 걸고 습관적으로 두 번 확인했습니다.
- The announcement came as a bolt from the blue, catching everyone in the office completely off guard. 那个消息犹如晴天霹雳,令办公室里的所有人都措手不及。El anuncio cayó como un rayo, pillando a todos en la oficina completamente desprevenidos.その発表は青天の霹靂で、オフィスの全員が完全に不意を突かれました。그 발표는 마른하늘에 날벼락이어서 사무실의 모든 사람이 완전히 허를 찔렸습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: professional, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old English bolt (a short, heavy arrow), related to Old High German bolz (bolt, arrow). The fastener meaning developed from the resemblance to a short arrow or pin.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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