Meanings
-
1
verb
to loosen or remove something by turning it
She had to unscrew the lid before she could open the jar.
-
2
verb
to remove a screw or a screw-fastened part
The electrician unscrewed the outlet plate.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Formed from un- plus screw. The prefix marks reversal, so the literal sense is to undo the turning action that fastened something with a screw or screw-like thread.