Pricker: meaning, definitions and examples

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pricker

[ˈprɪkər ]

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "pricker" in other languages:

🇵🇹 espinho

🇮🇳 काँटा

🇩🇪 Dorn

🇮🇩 duri

🇺🇦 колючка

🇵🇱 kolec

🇯🇵 棘

🇫🇷 épine

🇪🇸 espina

🇹🇷 diken

🇰🇷 가시

🇸🇦 شوكة

🇨🇿 trn

🇸🇰 tŕň

🇨🇳 刺

🇸🇮 trn

🇮🇸 þyrna

🇰🇿 тұяқ

🇬🇪 კაწრი

🇦🇿 diken

🇲🇽 espina

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.

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39832 nubbin
39833 splotchy
39834 immolating
39835 pricker
39836 turncoats
39837 houri
39838 underwhelming
...