Viilutama

Viilutama is an Estonian verb meaning to smooth, shape, or finish a material by using a file. The action involves removing small amounts of material to produce a flat surface, a precise edge, or a clean fit between parts. It is commonly used in woodworking, metalworking, and maintenance tasks, where edges or surfaces must be refined or adjusted. Figuratively, viilutama can also mean to refine or edit something, such as a plan, text, or design, by trimming away excess detail or sharpening form.

Etymology and form: The verb is built from the noun viil, meaning file, with the standard Estonian -tama infinitive suffix. It belongs to the class of -uma verbs and follows common Estonian conjugation patterns for this group. The action is typically described in terms of applying a file to a workpiece, rather than as an abstract concept.

Syntax and usage: Viilutama is a transitive verb and requires a direct object that names what is being filed. The instrument can be a hand file or a powered file, depending on the context. In passive or completed-work descriptions, the result of the action is a more finished surface or edge.

Related terms: Viil (file) is the underlying noun, and viilutamine refers to the process or act of filing. Related crafts terms include lihvida (to polish) and lihvimine (sanding or polishing), which describe similar finishing steps with different tools or effects.

See also: Viil (file), Viilutamine, Lihvida, Lihvimine.