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needle
[ need-l ]
/ ˈnid l /
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noun
verb (used with object), nee·dled, nee·dling.
verb (used without object), nee·dled, nee·dling.
to form needles in crystallization.
to work with a needle.
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Idioms about needle
on the needle, Slang. taking drugs by injection, especially habitually.
the needle, Informal. irritating abuse; teasing; heckling (used especially in the phrases give someone the needle and get the needle).
Origin of needle
First recorded before 900; 1880–85 for def. 16; Middle English nedle, Old English nǣdl, cognate with German Nadel; akin to Latin nēre to spin
OTHER WORDS FROM needle
nee·dle·like, adjectiveWords nearby needle
needed, needfire, needful, Needham, neediness, needle, needle bath, needle bearing, needle biopsy, needlecord, needlecraft
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use needle in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for needle
needle
/ (ˈniːdəl) /
noun
verb
Word Origin for needle
Old English nǣdl; related to Gothic nēthla, German Nadel
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for needle
needle
[ nēd′l ]
n.
A slender, usually sharp-pointed instrument used for puncturing tissues, suturing, or passing a ligature around an artery.
A hollow, slender, sharp-pointed instrument used for injection or aspiration.
v.
To separate tissues by means of one or two needles in the dissection of small parts.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for needle
needle
[ nēd′l ]
A narrow, stiff leaf, as of firs, pines, and other conifers. The reduced surface area of needles minimizes water loss and allows needle-bearing plants to live in dry climates. See more at leaf.
See hypodermic needle.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Other Idioms and Phrases with needle
needle
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.