tool

The definition of a tool is a device with a specific purpose.

(noun)

A hammer, paintbrush, computer and wrench are each an example of a tool.

See tool in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

any implement, instrument, or utensil held in the hand and used to form, shape, fasten, add to, take away from, or otherwise change something by cutting, hitting, digging, rubbing, etc.: knives, saws, hammers, shovels, rakes, etc. are tools
1. any similar instrument that is the working part of a power-driven machine, as a drill, band-saw blade, etc.
2. the whole machine; machine tool
anything that serves in the manner of a tool; a means: books are a scholar's tools
a person used to accomplish another's purposes, esp. when these are illegal or unethical; dupe; stooge
Slang the penis: somewhat vulgar
Law any instrument or device necessary to one's profession or occupation
in full tools of one's trade

Origin: ME toole < OE tol, akin to ON tol < ? IE base *deu- > taw

transitive verb

to form, shape, or work with a tool
to provide tools or machinery for (a factory, industry, etc.): often with up
1. to drive (a vehicle)
2. to convey (a person) in a vehicle
to impress letters or designs on (leather, a book cover, etc.) with special tools

intransitive verb

Related Forms:

See tool in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A device, such as a saw, used to perform or facilitate manual or mechanical work.
a. A machine, such as a lathe, used to cut and shape machine parts or other objects.
b. The cutting part of such a machine.
Something regarded as necessary to the carrying out of one's occupation or profession: Words are the tools of our trade.
Something used in the performance of an operation; an instrument: “Modern democracies have the fiscal and monetary tools . . . to end chronic slumps and galloping inflations” (Paul A. Samuelson).
Vulgar Slang A penis.
A person used to carry out the designs of another; a dupe.
a. A bookbinder's hand stamp.
b. A design impressed on a book cover by such a stamp.
Computer Science An application program, often one that creates, manipulates, modifies, or analyzes other programs.