wedge

Definition

One of the simple machines; a piece of material, such as metal or wood, thick at one edge and tapered to a thin edge at the other for insertion in a narrow crevice, used for splitting, tightening, securing, or levering.

Etymology

From Middle English wegge (“wedge”), from Old English weċġ (“wedge”), from Proto-West Germanic *wagi, from Proto-Germanic *wagjaz.

Example Sentences

• "Stick a wedge under the door, will you? It keeps blowing shut."
• "Can you cut me a wedge of cheese?"
• "We ordered a box of baked potato wedges with our pizza."