pointing trowel

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Explanation of "Pointing Trowel"

Definition:
A "pointing trowel" is a small hand tool that looks like a flat, triangular blade attached to a handle. It is mainly used in construction, especially for working with masonry (like bricks and stones). The tool helps to fill in gaps between bricks with a material called mortar, which holds everything together and makes it look neat.

Usage Instructions:

1. Filling Joints: When you have laid bricks or stones, you would use a pointing trowel to apply mortar into the spaces between them.
2. Finishing Touches: After filling the joints, you can use the trowel to smooth the surface of the mortar, making it look tidy.

Example:

• "After laying the bricks, the mason used a pointing trowel to fill in the gaps with mortar, ensuring a strong and clean finish."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced construction work, a pointing trowel can also be used for decorative purposes, where the mason shapes the mortar in artistic designs.

Word Variants:

• Trowel: This is a more general term for a hand tool used for digging, spreading, or shaping materials.
• Masonry: This refers to the building of structures from individual units, often made of brick, stone, or concrete.

Different Meanings:

While "pointing trowel" has a specific meaning in construction, the word "pointing" can also refer to directing someone's attention to something or indicating a direction.

Synonyms:

• Masonry trowel: Another term for a trowel used in masonry work.
• Finishing trowel: Although slightly different, this term can also refer to a tool used for smoothing surfaces.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "pointing trowel," but you might encounter phrases like "pointing the way," which means to lead or guide someone.

Summary:

A pointing trowel is an essential tool for anyone working with bricks or stones, helping to create strong and visually appealing structures.

Academic

Noun

1. a trowel used to fill and finish masonry joints with mortar or cement