spanner
span·ner [spanner spanners] BrE [ˈspænə(r)] NAmE [ˈspænər] (BrE) (also wrench NAmE, BrE) noun 
a metal tool with a specially shaped end for holding and turning ↑nuts and ↑bolts (= small metal rings and pins that hold things together)
•I'll need a spanner to change the back wheel.
compare ↑adjustable spanner
Idiom: spanner in the works
See also: ↑wrench ▪ wrench in the works
Word Origin:
late 18th cent.: from German spannen ‘draw tight’ + ↑-er.
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