[syn: set, countersink]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Countersink \Coun"ter*sink`\ (koun"t[~e]r*s[i^][ng]k`; 277), v.
t. [imp. & p. p. Countersunk (-s[u^][ng]k`); p. pr. & vb.
n. Countersinking.]
1. To chamfer or form a depression around the top of (a hole
in wood, metal, etc.) for the reception of the head of a
screw or bolt below the surface, either wholly or in part;
as, to countersink a hole for a screw.
[1913 Webster]
2. To cause to sink even with or below the surface; as, to
countersink a screw or bolt into woodwork.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Countersink \Coun"ter*sink`\, n.
1. An enlargement of the upper part of a hole, forming a
cavity or depression for receiving the head of a screw or
bolt.
[1913 Webster]
Note: In the United States a flaring cavity formed by
chamfering the edges of a round hole is called a
countersink, while a cylindrical flat-bottomed
enlargement of the mouth of the hole is usually called
a conterbore.
[1913 Webster]
2. A drill or cutting tool for countersinking holes.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
countersink
n 1: a hole (usually in wood) with the top part enlarged so that
a screw or bolt will fit into it and lie below the surface
2: a bit for enlarging the upper part of a hole [syn:
counterbore, countersink, countersink bit]
v 1: insert (a nail or screw below the surface, as into a
countersink) [syn: set, countersink]