What characteristic describes an end mill?

An end mill is indeed characterized by its resemblance to a drill, but it differs in several significant ways. While both tools are designed for cutting, an end mill is generally taller and thinner compared to a standard drill bit. This design allows it to make a variety of cuts, including lateral cutting, which is not possible with a traditional drill. Additionally, end mills typically have multiple cutting flutes that enable them to cut in more than one direction, making them versatile for different machining operations.

The other choices highlight characteristics that do not apply to end mills. For example, end mills usually have multiple cutting edges rather than being limited to a single edge. They are not restricted to finishing cuts; they can also be used for roughing operations. Lastly, while end mills can execute straight cuts, they are specifically designed for both straight and intricate patterns, thus their teeth are not limited to just straight cutting capabilities.