Wiktionary(1.50 / 4 votes)Rate this definition: 1  dilemma(Noun) A circumstance in which a choice must be made between two or more alternatives that seem equally undesirable. 2  dilemma(Noun) (disputed) A difficult circumstance or problem.
The lathe is an ancient tool, dating at least to ancient Egypt and known to be used in Assyria and ancient Greece. The lathe was very important to the Industrial Revolution. It is known as the mother of machine tools, as it was the first machine tool that lead to the invention of other machine tools.
A special-purpose lathe, the Rose engine lathe, is also used for ornamental turning, in particular for engine turning, typically in precious metals, for example to decorate pocket-watch cases. As well as a wide range of accessories, these lathes usually have complex dividing arrangements to allow the exact rotation of the mandrel.