tool

   1.  n.A  program  used  primarily  to  create, manipulate, modify, or
   analyze  other  programs,  such  as  a  compiler  or  an  editor or a
   cross-referencing program. Oppose {app}, {operating system}; see also
   {toolchain}.

   2.  [Unix]  An  application  program  with  a  simple,  `transparent'
   (typically text-stream) interface designed specifically to be used in
   programmed combination with other tools (see {filter}, {plumbing}).

   3.  [MIT:  general to students there] vi. To work; to study (connotes
   tedium).  The  TMRC Dictionary defined this as "to set one's brain to
   the grindstone". See {hack}.

   4.  n.  [MIT]  A  student  who studies too much and hacks too little.
   (MIT's student humor magazine rejoices in the name Tool and Die.)

[glossary]
[Reference(s) to this entry by made by: {app}{toolsmith}{well-behaved}]