How Do You Spell WHETSTONE?

Pronunciation: [wˈɛtstə͡ʊn] (IPA)

Whetstone is a sharpening stone used to sharpen knives and other cutting tools. The spelling of this word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The "w" at the beginning is pronounced as /w/. The "h" is pronounced as /h/, but it is silent in some dialects. The "e" is pronounced as /ɛ/, and the "t" is pronounced as /t/. The final "stone" is pronounced as /stoʊn/. The correct spelling of this word is important for those who work with tools and want to keep them sharp.

WHETSTONE Meaning and Definition

1. A whetstone, also known as a sharpening stone or honing stone, is a tool used to sharpen or polish the edges of cutting tools such as knives or chisels. It is a small, rectangular, or square piece of abrasive material typically made from natural stones like novaculite, artificial stones, or even diamond-impregnated metal.

   Whetstones are available in various grit sizes depending on the desired level of sharpness or polish. Coarser grits are used to reshape or reprofile the blade, while finer grits are employed for refining the edge and achieving a smooth finish. The process of sharpening a blade on a whetstone involves running the edge of the tool against the stone's surface, either in a circular or linear motion. This movement helps remove dulled metal and restore the sharpness of the blade.

   Whetstones have been used for centuries and play a vital role in maintaining the sharpness and usability of cutting tools. They are popular among chefs, butchers, woodworkers, and other craftsmen who rely on sharp tools for their work. Whetstones offer a precise and controlled method of sharpening and can be used with water, oil, or no lubricant, depending on the type of stone. Their compact size and portability make them a convenient tool for on-the-go sharpening needs.

2. Any hard fine-grained stone, used for sharpening joiners edge-tools, knives, &c.; a hone.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for WHETSTONE

• qhetstone
• ahetstone
• shetstone
• ehetstone
• 3hetstone
• wgetstone
• wetstone
• whestone
• whetsone
• whinstone
• cheastont
• hertstone

Etymology of WHETSTONE

The word "whetstone" is derived from the combination of two Old English words: "whet" and "stan".

The word "whet" comes from the Old English verb "hwettan", which means "to sharpen" or "to make keen". This verb is related to the Middle Dutch word "wetten" and Old High German word "wezzen", both of which also mean "to sharpen".

The second part of the word, "stan", is the Old English word for "stone". It is related to the Old Norse word "steinn" and the Old High German word "stein", both of which also mean "stone".

Combining these two elements, "whet" referring to sharpening and "stan" meaning stone, gives us "whetstone", meaning a stone used for sharpening or making an edge keen.

Idioms with the word WHETSTONE

• get the whetstone The idiom "get the whetstone" typically means to sharpen one's skills, abilities, or knowledge through practice or refinement. It refers to the act of using a whetstone to sharpen the blade of a tool or instrument, thereby enhancing its effectiveness and efficiency. Metaphorically, the idiom suggests the need to continuously improve oneself or acquire new knowledge in order to excel in a particular field or situation.

Similar spelling words for WHETSTONE

• white stork,
• Whetstine,
• Whiteside,
• wheatstone,
• whitesides.

Plural form of WHETSTONE is WHETSTONES