grapnel Hear it!

grapnel Definition

grap·nel (grap′nəl)

noun

a small anchor with usually four or five curved, pointed arms, used for anchoring a small boat, dragging the bottom for objects, or grasping and holding fast to something

Etymology: ME grapnell, dim. < OFr grapin, grapil < Prov < grapa, a hook < Frank *krappo: see grape

grapnel Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • release: One pair had dived and, as agreed, released the grapnel from the wreck so that it could be recovered.