dipstick

[dip-stik]

noun

1. a rod for measuring the depth of a liquid; especially, a thin metal rod used to measure the oil level in the crankcase of an automotive engine.

2. Slang.,  fool; jerk.

dipstick

/ ˈdɪpˌstɪk /

noun

1. a graduated rod or strip dipped into a container to indicate the fluid level

2. slang,  a fool

Word History and Origins

Origin of dipstick¹

First recorded in 1925–30; dip ¹ + stick ¹

Example Sentences

The MP has suffered from menopause-induced UTIs for more than a decade but said the "dipstick" test usually used to diagnose an infection was not sensitive enough.

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The company says heat and pressure can build up in the transmission, expelling fluid from the dipstick tube.

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Eventually, I found the dipstick which reads nothing.

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Silva jumped right into the preflight inspection, calculating the fuel levels with a dipstick.

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The task of periodically checking the liquids was typically carried out by a young Russian who climbed on top of the tanks with a dipstick.

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