ENGLISH
REFERENCE

phillips

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈfɪɫɪps// phillips

adj. describing a screw with a cross-shaped hole in the top, or the special tool used to turn it. You use this when a flat screwdriver will not work.

adj. relating to a screw with a cross-shaped indentation or a screwdriver designed to fit such a screw. Often contrasted with 'slotted' or 'flat-head' fasteners.


SIMPLE

You need a Phillips screwdriver to open the battery cover.

CONTEXTUAL

The furniture kit includes several Phillips screws that require a specific cross-head tool for assembly.

COMPLEX

While flat-head screws were once the industry standard, the Phillips design became dominant in automotive manufacturing because it allows for higher torque without the tool slipping out.

Origin

From Phillip + -s.

Usage

Typically used as a modifier before a noun like 'screw', 'head', or 'screwdriver'. Always capitalized as it is a proper adjective derived from an inventor's name.

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