/ tuːl; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
an instrument such as a hammer, screwdriver , saw , etc. that you hold in your hand and use for making things, repairing things, etc. :
garden tools
a cutting tool
power tools (= using electricity)
Always select the right tool for the job.
2.
a thing that helps you to do your job or to achieve sth :
research tools like questionnaires
The computer is now an invaluable tool for the family doctor.
Some of them carried the guns which were the tools of their trade (= the things they needed to do their job) .
3.
a person who is used or controlled by another person or group :
The prime minister was an unwitting tool of the president.
4.
( taboo , slang ) a penis
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IDIOMS
see down verb
■ verb
[ v + adv. / prep. ] ( NAmE , informal ) to drive around in a vehicle
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PHRASAL VERBS
- tool up | tool sb/sth up
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English tōl , from a Germanic base meaning prepare. The verb dates from the early 19th cent.