icepick

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Word: Icepick

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition:

An "icepick" is a tool that looks like a long, thin metal stick with a sharp point at one end. It is used to break up large blocks of ice into smaller pieces.

Usage Instructions:

You can use the word "icepick" when talking about tools used in kitchens, bars, or places that need to deal with ice, like ice skating rinks or fish markets.

Example Sentence:

• "The bartender used an icepick to break the ice into smaller cubes for the drinks."

Advanced Usage:

While "icepick" is primarily used to refer to the tool, it can also appear in discussions about culinary techniques, winter sports, or even in metaphorical expressions about breaking through something hard or difficult, similar to how ice is broken.

Word Variants:

• Icepicking (verb) - The act of using an icepick.
• Icepicked (adjective) - Describing something that has been broken or pierced by an icepick.

Different Meanings:

In some contexts, "icepick" can also refer to a method of attacking someone, as in a "crime of passion," where the icepick is used as a weapon. This usage is more informal and can be associated with crime stories or discussions.

Synonyms:

• Ice hammer (a less common tool used in similar contexts)
• Ice chisel (another tool that can be used for breaking ice, though it has a different shape and use)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "icepick," you might encounter phrases like: - "Breaking the ice" - This means to start a conversation in a social situation, making people feel more comfortable. It is not literally about ice, but it relates to easing tension.

Summary:

An icepick is a useful tool for breaking ice. It can also have metaphorical meanings in different contexts.

Academic

Noun

1. pick consisting of a steel rod with a sharp point; used for breaking up blocks of ice

Synonyms

• ice pick