screw | ˈskrü
noun
An earring back type for non-pierced ears, in which the earring is tightened against the earlobe by means of a screw with a flat round end
A screw or screw back earring is a type of earring back that requires the wearer to screw the backing into the earring itself, instead of just pressing them together. This ensures the earring is tightened carefully against the earlobe using a flat round ended screw. The main reason to use a screw back for an earring is to ensure it cannot accidentally come loose. Because it must be unscrewed from the ear, it must be unscrewed to remove. However, that does not mean it is perfectly secure. It’s still important to remove a screw back earring often to clean, ensure the screw is holding tight and that there are no issues due to heavy use.
