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plumbline
Sign in to saveAlso known as plumb bob, plumb line, plummet, plumb-line, bob, lead
weight, usually with a pointed tip on the bottom, suspended from a string and used as a vertical reference line
A plumbline is a weight hanging from a string that's used to determine if something is perfectly vertical. It matters because it helps builders, carpenters, and other workers ensure that walls, posts, and other structures are aligned straight up and down.
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A plumb bob
A plumb bob, plumb bob level, or plummet, is a weight, usually with a pointed tip on the bottom, suspended from a string and used as a vertical direction as a reference line, or plumb-line. It is a precursor to the spirit level and used to establish a vertical datum. It is typically made of stone, wood, or lead, but can also be made of other metals. If it is used for decoration, it may be made of bone or ivory.