dropper

American  

[drop-er] / ˈdrɒp ər /

noun

1. 1. Also called medicine dropper.  Also called eyedropper.  a tube with a hollow rubber bulb at one end and a small opening at the other, for drawing in a liquid and expelling it in drops.

      For pets that don't like droppers, this medication also comes in a spray.

      You can dilute the tempera a little at a time by adding water with an eye dropper.

   2. the amount held or dispensed by such a tube.

      Take two droppers of the echinacea tincture, swish it in your mouth for about 15 seconds, and swallow.

2. Angling. a short length of nylon, gut, etc., tied to a leader so that another fly dropper fly can be attached.

   This is a great summer fly that you can fish on a dropper or simply on its own.

3. a short-haired dog that is a cross between a pointer and a setter, so named because it drops to the ground, or crouches, on sighting game.

4. a person or thing that drops.

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dropper British  

/ ˈdrɒpə /

noun

1. a small tube having a rubber bulb at one end for drawing up and dispensing drops of liquid

2. a person or thing that drops

3. angling a short length of monofilament by which a fly is attached to the main trace or leader above the tail fly

4. a batten attached to the top wire of a fence to keep the wires apart

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Etymology

Origin of dropper

First recorded in 1690–1700; drop + -er ¹

Compare meaning

How does dropper compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• dropper vs. dispenser