noun
Freq #92239
Meanings
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1
noun
a slotted, tapered sleeve that closes around a tool or workpiece to hold it firmly in a machine
She tightened the router's collet around the new cutting bit.
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2
noun
a metal collar or setting that holds a gemstone
The jeweler rotated the ring so that its diamond collet faced upward.
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3
noun
a metal collar or ferrule fitted around an object to grip it or prevent splitting
A brass collet reinforced the end of the wooden shaft.
Thesaurus
Etymology
From French collet, 'little collar,' a diminutive of col, 'neck,' ultimately from Latin collum. The collar image explains its jewelry, machining, and ferrule senses; it is unrelated to the personal name Nicholas.