nipple

Meanings

Noun

  • The projection of a mammary gland from which, on female mammals, milk is secreted.
  • A mechanical device through which liquids or gases can be passed in a regulated manner.
  • An artificial nipple (definition 1) used for bottle-feeding infants.
  • Any small physical protrusion, such as the lumps on the F and J keys on computer keyboards.
  • Any small physical protrusion on an automotive, a machine part or any other part that fits into a groove on another part.
  • A perforated segment that fits into part of the breech of a muzzle-loading gun, on which the percussion cap is fixed.
  • A short tube threaded at both ends, used as a connector.
  • An internally threaded piece which holds a bicycle spoke in place on the rim.
  • A pointing stick.

Verb

  • To fit (a baby's bottle, etc.) with a nipple.
  • To give one's nipple to (a baby) to allow breastfeeding.

Origin

  • From earlier neple, nypil, neble, believed to be a diminutive of nib, neb, equivalent to nib + -le. Compare Old English nypel, formed analogously as "a protuberance from one's neb" .

Modern English dictionary

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