needle

/'ni:dl/

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Explanation of the Word "Needle"

Part of Speech: Noun and Verb

Summary:

The word "needle" can refer to a sharp tool for sewing, a type of leaf on certain trees, or even the needle of a measuring device. As a verb, it means to provoke or tease someone.

Academic

Noun

1. a stylus that formerly made sound by following a groove in a phonograph record
2. a sharp pointed implement (usually steel)
3. a slender pointer for indicating the reading on the scale of a measuring instrument
4. the leaf of a conifer

Verb

1. prick with a needle
2. goad or provoke,as by constant criticism
   • He needled her with his sarcastic remarks

Synonyms

• phonograph needle
• acerate leaf
• goad