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Pricker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pricker

[หˆprษชkษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

general use

A pricker is a tool or instrument that is used to puncture or make a hole in a material. It can be used in various contexts, such as in gardening for removing thorns or in culinary settings for making small holes in dough. Prickers can come in different shapes and sizes depending on their intended use, ranging from very fine to larger, more robust tools. They are often employed to facilitate a process that requires precision in puncturing or creating a breakthrough.

Synonyms

piercer, puncturer, sticker.

Examples of usage

  • The gardener carefully used a pricker to remove the thorns from the rose stems.
  • Before baking, she used a pricker to ensure the dough would not puff up too much.
  • He equipped himself with a pricker to prep his fishing bait.
  • The surgeon utilized a specialized pricker for making small incisions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Tools & Craftsmanship

  • In tailoring, a pricker is crucial for marking fabric in a precise manner before cutting.
  • Gardening uses similar tools, allowing gardeners to make small openings in soil to help seedlings grow.
  • Prickers are essential for creating handmade crafts, allowing artists to create intricate designs and patterns.

Science

  • In biology, prickers can refer to devices used to take samples without causing damage to organisms.
  • Microbiologists use fine prickers in lab settings to inoculate and cultivate bacteria in petri dishes.
  • Some pricking tools are specially designed for use in research to study plant structures and growth.

Cultural References

  • In folklore, prickers sometimes symbolize tools of knowledge; they 'poke' into the surface to reveal hidden truths in stories.
  • In various crafts, prickers represent precision and detail, treasured qualities in traditional artistry seen around the world.
  • In gaming, prickers might refer to small tools or items that are used to enhance functionality in crafting mechanics.

Everyday Life

  • Many people might use a pricker without realizing it, as similar tools appear in sewing kits or in crafting supplies.
  • In cooking, tools similar to prickers are often used for creating holes in dough for aeration or decoration.
  • Common uses include pricking sausages to prevent bursting during cooking, showcasing the tool's versatility.

Origin of 'pricker'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'pricker' comes from the Middle English 'prik,' meaning to stab or pierce.
  • It has connections to other words like 'prick' and 'prickle,' both involving sharp points.
  • Historically, 'prickers' were used by tailors and craftsmen to create precise holes or marks.

The term 'pricker' originates from the verb 'prick', which can be traced back to the Old English word 'priccan'. This word is thought to have Germanic roots, related to similar formations in Old High German 'prichลn' and Dutch 'prikken'. In its evolving use, the notion of pricking has had various applications, from medical instruments to simple garden tools. Historically, the action of pricking has been associated with both minor injuries and precise actions, which informs its modern applications across diverse fields. Over the years, the term has developed and branched out into several variations related to the idea of puncturing or creating a small hole, indicating the versatility and functional importance of the tool and its action.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,835, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.