nib

American  

[nib] / nɪb /

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.

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nib British  

/ 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

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verb

1. to provide with a nib

2. to prepare or sharpen the nib of

Other Word Forms

• niblike adjective

Etymology

Origin of nib

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

Example Sentences

I listened to the scratch of the pen’s nib and burned with curiosity.

From Literature

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.

From 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.

From 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.

From Salon

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

From National Geographic

Related Words

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