noun
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(Commonwealth, UK, Ireland) A hand tool for adjusting nuts and bolts; a wrench.
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(rare) One who, or that which, spans.
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(graph theory) A (usually sparse) graph whose shortest path distances approximate those in a dense graph or other metric space.
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(weaponry) A hand tool shaped like a small crank handle, for winding the spring of a wheel lock on a musket.
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(obsolete) A device in early steam engines for moving the valves for the alternate admission and shutting off of the steam.
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(UK, Ireland) A problem, dilemma or obstacle; something unexpected or troublesome (in the phrase spanner in the works)
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(UK, Ireland, mildly derogatory) A stupid or unintelligent person; one prone to making mistakes, especially in language.