spool

[/spuːl/]
noun/verbpl: spools
carretel
1. A cylindrical device on which thread, wire, tape, or film is wound
She bought a spool of thread at the fabric store.
Ela comprou um carretel de linha na loja de tecidos.
2. To wind something onto a spool or reel
The technician will spool the cable carefully.
O técnico vai enrolar o cabo no carretel com cuidado.
3. In computing, to temporarily store data in a queue for processing
The printer will spool the document before printing.
A impressora vai enfileirar o documento antes de imprimir.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'carretel' is the standard term for sewing and textile spools, commonly found in sewing boxes. In technical and computing contexts, 'bobina' or 'fila' (queue) is preferred. The word reflects the importance of textile craftsmanship in Brazilian culture, where sewing remains a valued skill.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
reelbobbincoilspindle

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
carretel
Most common term for the cylindrical winding device
General Brazilian
bobina
Used in electrical and technical contexts
Portugal
bobina
Preferred term in European Portuguese
Technical/Computing
fila de impressão
Used for the computing definition, meaning print queue

Related Words

threadreelbobbinwindingqueuesewing

Related Idioms & Phrases

to spool up - to prepare or activate a system
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