The washer is a circular piece with a hole in the center.
Etymology
The word washer has its origins in the Latin harenula , which in turn comes from harena , meaning "sand." Originally, a washer was a small circular piece made of compacted sand or earth used to seal or fill gaps or to secure a connection .
In more recent times, it is believed to have come into our language from the French word rondelle . As a curious fact, the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), in its dictionary, recognizes more than a dozen meanings of the concept.
Applications
Washers have several applications in different fields, both in industry and at home. Their versatility and ability to distribute loads and prevent damage to surfaces make them an essential component in a wide range of industries and daily activities. Some of the most common are the following:
- Industrial assembly : Washers are used to distribute the load and pressure of screws, bolts or nuts in various industrial applications, such as machinery, metal structures, electronic equipment, etc. They help prevent damage to surfaces and improve assembly safety;
- plumbing : washers are used in pipe connections to prevent water leaks from faucets, valves, hoses and plumbing fixtures;
- Electricity : In electrical installations, washers are used on cable terminals and electrical connections to provide a more stable supporting surface and prevent loosening;
- automotive : in vehicles, washers are applied to various components such as brakes, engines, suspension and other mechanical systems to improve fastening and resistance ;
- construction : washers are used to fix elements such as beams, anchor screws and other accessories in concrete, wood and other materials;
- Home : In the domestic sphere, washers are found in various everyday objects, such as furniture, appliances and DIY items;
- Manufacturing industry : In the manufacturing of products, washers are essential for securing and properly aligning the different parts of an assembly.
Other meanings
Among the other meanings of the word washer, we can mention the pieces that, in stoves and kitchens , allow the home to be covered. The same happens with the metal or glass dish that, with a hole in the center, is placed in the upper sector of a candlestick to collect what falls from a candle.
The spears, meanwhile, had washers on the handle to protect the hand of the person carrying it. In marine territory, a grommet is a device used to prevent water from entering the portholes (the window-like openings) of a boat.
There are also several regional uses of washer. Depending on the area, the notion may refer to a border or, in the plural, to a type of cake or to the exaggerated decorations of women's clothing .
Washer recipe
The washer is a soft and creamy dessert, which can be prepared with a few ingredients : milk; flipped cream; sliced bread (about 8 slices); Creole apples (2); butter (preferred variety); sugar for the caramel (1/2 cup).
Apple is a fundamental ingredient in washer.
We can start by preparing the caramel, placing the sugar in a 25 centimeter mold and cooking it over low heat until it changes state. Then, put the inverted cream in the same mold, already caramelized. Cut the bread into pieces, spread it with butter and moisten it with milk.
Cut the apple into slices, and place them on the layer of bread, covering with a little milk. Repeat this step with as many layers as you want and that fit in the mold . Place in the oven and cook in a bain-marie for a maximum of 45 minutes. Once finished and unmolded, you can decorate it with apple.