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nee·dle

(nēdl)

a. A slender, pointed implement used for sewing or surgical suturing, made usually of polished steel and having an eye at one end through which a length of thread is passed and held.

b. Any of various similar implements, such as a fine sharp-pointed instrument used in acupuncture or a pointed shaft used in knitting, crocheting, or lace making.

c. A sharp-pointed instrument used in engraving.

2. A slender piece of jewel or steel used to transmit vibrations from the grooves of a phonograph record.

a. A slender pointer or indicator on a dial, scale, or similar part of a mechanical device.

b. A magnetic needle.

a. A hypodermic needle.

b. Informal A hypodermic injection; a shot.

5. Chiefly Upper Northern US See dragonfly.

6. A narrow stiff leaf, as of a pine or fir.

7. A fine, sharp projection, as a spine of a sea urchin or a crystal.

a. A tall narrow rock formation.

b. An obelisk.

9. Informal A goading, provoking, or teasing remark or act.

v. nee·dled, nee·dling, nee·dles

v.tr.

1. To prick, pierce, or stitch with a needle.

2. Informal To goad, provoke, or tease.

v.intr.

To sew or do similar work with a needle.

[Middle English nedle, from Old English nǣdl; see (s)nē- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]

needler n.

(click for a larger image)

needle

left to right: sailmaking, sewing machine, and tapestry needles

bottom right: spring needle

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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