An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A piece of metal, consisting of a threaded and usually tapered shank that has a slotted head by which it is turned into something in order to fasten things together.

Etymology (EN): M.E. scrwe, screw, from M.Fr. escroue “nut, cylindrical socket,” of uncertain origin.

Etymology (PE): Pic “screw,” present stem of picidan “to twist, entwine, coil.”