spanners

noun

1. 1

   A hand tool for adjusting nuts and bolts; a wrench.

   “Pass me that spanner, Jake; there's just one more nut to screw in.”

2. 2

   One who, or that which, spans.

3. 3

   A hand tool shaped like a small crank handle, for winding the spring of a wheel lock on a musket.

4. 4

   A device in early steam engines for moving the valves for the alternate admission and shutting off of the steam.

5. 5

   A problem, dilemma or obstacle; something unexpected or troublesome (in the phrase spanner in the works)

6. 6

   (mildly) A stupid or unintelligent person; one prone to making mistakes, especially in language.