Dipstick: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ข๏ธ
dipstick
[ หdษชpstษชk ]
measurement tool
A dipstick is a long, narrow tool used to measure the level of a liquid in a container, commonly used in automotive contexts to check engine oil levels. It can also refer to a stick that dips into a container to gauge the amount of liquid it holds. Dipsticks are essential for maintaining proper fluid levels in engines to ensure optimal performance. They can be made of metal or plastic and often have measuring markings on them.
Synonyms
gauge, indicator, measuring stick
Examples of usage
- Use the dipstick to check the oil level.
- He pulled out the dipstick to see how much gas was left.
- The technician verified the fluid levels using a dipstick.
informal insult
Informally, the term "dipstick" may be used as a derogatory slang term to describe someone who is seen as foolish or incompetent. It conveys a sense of disdain for someone's lack of intelligence or common sense. The use of the term in this context is usually light-hearted or joking but can also be more serious depending on the situation.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Stop acting like a dipstick and think things through.
- He called him a dipstick for forgetting the meeting.
- Don't be such a dipstick and make that mistake.
Translations
Translations of the word "dipstick" in other languages:
๐ต๐น vara de mediรงรฃo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคกเคฟเคชเคธเฅเคเคฟเค
๐ฉ๐ช รlmesstab
๐ฎ๐ฉ batang pengukur
๐บ๐ฆ ััะฟ
๐ต๐ฑ bagnet
๐ฏ๐ต ใใฃใใในใใฃใใฏ
๐ซ๐ท tige de mesure
๐ช๐ธ varilla
๐น๐ท dipstick
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฅ์คํฑ
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ููุงุณ
๐จ๐ฟ mฤrnรก tyฤ
๐ธ๐ฐ meracia tyฤ
๐จ๐ณ ๆฒนๅฐบ
๐ธ๐ฎ merilna palica
๐ฎ๐ธ mรฆlisdรฝfa
๐ฐ๐ฟ ำฉะปัะตััั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ รถlรงรผ รงubuฤu
๐ฒ๐ฝ varilla
Word origin
The term 'dipstick' originates from the combination of the words 'dip' and 'stick'. The verb 'dip', which means to immerse or lower something into a liquid, has Old English roots from the word 'dippa', while 'stick' comes from the Old English 'sticca', meaning a pointed instrument or an elongated piece of wood. Dipsticks have been used for centuries in various forms to gauge fluid levels, making the term a practical descriptor for this specific function. The informal usage of 'dipstick' began in British slang during the 20th century, adopting a more negative connotation as a term for individuals perceived to be lacking in intelligence. The evolution of the word reflects both its practical application in mechanical contexts and its figurative use in describing human behavior.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #34,016 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
- ...
- 34013 filched
- 34014 inflammability
- 34015 bareness
- 34016 dipstick
- 34017 pluperfect
- 34018 madcap
- 34019 misbehaved
- ...