tool: [OE] A tool is etymologically an implement used to ‘make’ something. It came from a prehistoric Germanic *tōwlam. This was derived from a base *tōw-, *taw-, which produced a variety of other words with the general sense ‘make, prepare, do’ (most of them have now died out, but survivors include Dutch touwen and English taw ‘make leather’). => taw, tow
tool (n.)
Old English tol "instrument, implement used by a craftsman or laborer, weapon," from Proto-Germanic *to(w)lam "implement" (cognates: Old Norse tol), from a verb stem represented by Old English tawian "prepare" (see taw). The ending is the instrumental suffix -el (1). Figurative sense of "person used by another for his own ends" is recorded from 1660s. Slang meaning "penis" first recorded 1550s.
tool (v.)
"to drive a vehicle," 1812, probably from tool (n.) as if "to manage skillfully." The meaning "to work or shape with a tool" is recorded from 1815; that of "equip (a factory) with machine tools" is from 1927. Related: Tooled; tooling.
双语例句
1. An intelligent computer will be an indispensable diagnostic tool for doctors.
智能计算机将成为医生不可或缺的诊断工具。
来自柯林斯例句
2. The moulds for the foundry are made in the tool-room area.
铸造车间的模具是在工具间生产的。
来自柯林斯例句
3. Writing is a good tool for discharging overwhelming feelings.
写作是宣泄强烈感情的好方法。
来自柯林斯例句
4. The video has become an invaluable teaching tool.
