A small lathe used by jewellers, dentists, etc., consisting of a spindle bearing several grinding wheels of different sizes, as well as a brush, drill, etc., which all operate simultaneously.
Origin
Late 19th century.
Definition of parallel lathe in US English:
parallel lathe
noun
rare
A small lathe used by jewellers, dentists, etc., consisting of a spindle bearing several grinding wheels of different sizes, as well as a brush, drill, etc., which all operate simultaneously.