nib

[nib]

noun

1. the point of a pen, or either of its divisions.

2. a penpoint for insertion into a penholder.

3. a point of anything.

   a cutting tool with a diamond nib.

4. a bill or beak, as of a bird; neb.

5. any pointed extremity.

6. Metallurgy.

   1. a piece of sintered tungsten carbide used as a die for drawing wire or the like.

   2. (in powder metallurgy) a compact at any stage of its manufacture.

nib

/ nɪb /

noun

1. the writing point of a pen, esp an insertable tapered metal part with a split tip

2. a point, tip, or beak

3. (plural) crushed cocoa beans

verb

1. to provide with a nib

2. to prepare or sharpen the nib of

Other Word Forms

• niblike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nib¹

1575–85; perhaps variant of neb; compare Dutch nib, Middle Low German nibbe (variant of nebbe ) beak, Old Norse nibba sharp point. See nibble

Word History and Origins

Origin of nib¹

C16 (in the sense: beak): origin obscure; compare Northern German nibbe tip. See _neb , _nibble

Example Sentences

Once the candle was lit, Penelope would take out a sheet of this paper, a quill pen with a bent but usable nib, and some ink.

Read more on Literature

Since retiring, the 76-year-old has been more interested in exploring different types of nibs, the metal tip of a fountain pen, than impressing clients.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

I fantasized about eating an array of bubble plate-friendly foods: crudités, scoops of vanilla ice cream drizzled in olive oil and elaborate yogurt bowls topped with fancy granola, cut-up fruit and cacao nibs.

Read more on Salon

During production, cacao beans are separated into meaty solids, known as nibs, and a fatty portion called cocoa butter.

Read more on National Geographic

The cherry nib recipe is my current favorite — we subbed out nuts for cacao nibs, which give it an addictive texture.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• element 
• footprint 
• fragment 
• hint 
• indication 
• particle 
• proof 
• relic 
• remains 
• remnant 
• shred 
• smell 
• speck 
• strain 
• taste 
• tinge 
• touch 
• vestige 
• whiff