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Neck: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿฆ’
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neck

 

[nษ›k ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

human anatomy

The part of the body that joins the head to the shoulders, consisting of the vertebrae and associated muscles and tendons.

Synonyms

cervix, throat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
neck

This term is most commonly used to describe the part of the body that connects the head to the torso. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a narrow or connecting part of an object.

  • She wore a beautiful necklace around her neck.
  • The bottle has a narrow neck, making it easier to pour.
cervix

This term is specifically used in medical or anatomical contexts to describe the lower part of the uterus in female anatomy.

  • The doctor explained that the cervix dilates during childbirth.
  • A Pap smear is a test to check for abnormalities in the cervix.
throat

This term refers to the front part of the neck or the passage inside the neck that leads to the stomach and lungs. It's commonly used in both everyday speech and medical contexts.

  • She has a sore throat and couldnโ€™t swallow properly.
  • The singer cleared his throat before beginning the concert.

Examples of usage

  • He had a stiff neck after sleeping in an awkward position.
  • The necklace rested elegantly on her neck.
Context #2 | Noun

animal anatomy

The part of an animal that connects the head with the rest of the body.

Synonyms

cervix, throat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
neck

Used to describe the part of the body connecting the head to the shoulders. Commonly used in general conversation and anatomical descriptions.

  • She wore a beautiful necklace around her neck
  • He turned his neck to look behind him
throat

Describes the front part of the neck that includes the path for food and air (pharynx and larynx). Commonly used in casual conversation and medical contexts.

  • I have a sore throat from the cold weather
  • The singer cleared her throat before starting the performance
cervix

Refers specifically to the lower part of the uterus in the female reproductive system. Used primarily in medical and anatomical contexts.

  • The doctor explained that the cervix plays a crucial role during childbirth
  • Regular check-ups are important for cervical health

Examples of usage

  • The lion had a thick mane around its neck.
  • The giraffe has a long neck to reach leaves on tall trees.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

To kiss, embrace, or caress with the neck.

Synonyms

cuddle, snuggle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
neck

Used to describe a part of the body that connects the head to the rest of the torso. It can also mean to kiss passionately, often used informally among younger people or in British slang.

  • She wore a beautiful necklace around her neck.
  • They were necking behind the school building.
cuddle

Used when one person holds another person or thing close for warmth or affection. It is often associated with a sense of comfort, security, and love.

  • The mother cuddled her baby to sleep.
  • Let's cuddle on the couch and watch a movie.
snuggle

Describes the action of settling or moving into a warm, comfortable position, usually in close proximity to someone else. It often implies a deeper sense of comfort and coziness than 'cuddle'.

  • She snuggled up with a cup of hot cocoa and a good book.
  • The cat snuggled into his lap.

Examples of usage

  • They were necking in the backseat of the car.
  • The couple necked by the river under the moonlight.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

  • The neck contains vital structures, including the spinal cord, trachea (windpipe), and major blood vessels.
  • It has several muscles that help move the head and support its weight.
  • The cervical spine in the neck is made up of seven vertebrae, labeled C1 to C7, that allow for a wide range of motion.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, wearing a necklace or adornment around the neck is considered a symbol of beauty and status.
  • The phrase 'neck and neck' refers to close competition, emphasizing the idea of being almost equal.
  • In certain traditions, giving someone a tie or scarf is seen as a gesture of care or protection.

Literature

  • In poetry and prose, the neck is often a symbol of vulnerability, as it is a sensitive area of the body.
  • Characters may be described with 'swans' necks' to convey grace and elegance in storytelling.
  • References to neck injuries often signify deep emotional trauma in literature, illustrating the connection between body and emotion.

Idioms and Expressions

  • The idiom 'to stick one's neck out' means to take a risk or put oneself in a vulnerable position.
  • Saying 'keeping one's neck above water' suggests struggling to manage a difficult situation but not drowning in it.
  • 'To break someone's neck' in slang often refers to something being done swiftly or abruptly, showing how language evolves.

Health

  • Neck injuries can be serious, leading to long-term consequences if not treated properly, such as whiplash from car accidents.
  • Yoga and stretching exercises can help improve neck strength and flexibility, countering tension caused by daily activities.
  • Good posture while sitting or using devices can prevent neck pain, which is a common issue in modern lifestyles.

Translations

Translations of the word "neck" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น pescoรงo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เคฐเฅเคฆเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Hals

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ leher

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัˆะธั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ szyja

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ฆ–

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท cou

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cuello

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท boyun

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ชฉ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฑู‚ุจุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ krk

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ krk

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่„–ๅญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ vrat

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hรกls

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะพะนั‹ะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒ˜แƒกแƒ”แƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ boyun

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ cuello

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,204, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.