orange stick

American  

noun

1. a slender, rounded stick, originally of orangewood, having tapered ends and used in manicuring, especially to push back the cuticles or clean the fingernails.

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orange stick British  

noun

1. a small stick used to clean the fingernails and cuticles, having one pointed and one rounded end

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Etymology

Origin of orange stick

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

orange stick

“When I didn’t want to be noticed, I would use my orange stick with black tape on it,” Cordingley said, “ … versus a rainbow stick with the trans tape color pattern on it.”

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 8, 2023

"I must get a new orange stick," said Melita.

From Time Magazine Archive

With his wrist, he briefly blotted his perspiring upper lip, and then he began to use the orange stick to push back his cuticles.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger

Zooey pulled open the medicine-cabinet door and put the orange stick back in its niche.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger

Zooey suddenly turned around, opened the medicine cabinet, replaced his nail file, and took down a remarkably stubby-looking orange stick.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger