Sinker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽฃ
Add to dictionary

sinker

[หˆsษชล‹.kษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fishing gear

A sinker is a weight used in fishing to help lure baits or hooks sink to the desired depth in the water. Sinkers come in various shapes and materials, such as lead, steel, or tungsten, and are essential for achieving proper bait placement. The size and type of sinker can greatly affect the fishing experience, as it impacts how quickly and efficiently the lure descends. Anglers often select sinkers based on factors such as water depth, current speed, and the type of fish they are targeting.

Synonyms

fishing weight, lead, weight.

Examples of usage

  • I used a sinker to keep my bait submerged.
  • Different sinkers can affect the way fish bite.
  • The sinker helped my line reach deeper water.
  • He adjusted the sinker weight for better casting distance.
Context #2 | Noun

general term

In a broader context, a sinker refers to any object that is designed to sink or is heavy enough to descend in a fluid. This could relate to various fields, such as engineering, where the term might be used to describe components that serve a sinking function or characteristics. It emphasizes weight and density as primary factors in defining a sinker.

Synonyms

descender, submergent.

Examples of usage

  • The sinker design ensured stability underwater.
  • In physics, a heavy sinker demonstrates the principle of buoyancy.
  • The sinker's motion was analyzed in the experiment.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Fishing Techniques

  • In fishing, sinkers are crucial to prevent bait from rising to the surface, enhancing bait visibility to fish.
  • There are various types of sinkers, such as split shot and pyramid, each designed for different fishing scenarios.
  • Fishing sinkers come in a range of materials, with lead being traditionally used, although non-toxic alternatives are increasingly popular for eco-friendliness.

Physics

  • The principle of sinking involves density: objects denser than water will sink, while lighter ones float.
  • Newton's law of gravity explains the force that causes objects to sink, as heavier objects are pulled down more strongly.
  • Sinking plays a role in various scientific processes, such as sedimentation in bodies of water.

Cultural References

  • The term 'sinker' is often used in baseball, referring to a type of pitch that dips and 'sinks' as it approaches the batter.
  • In some regions, the word may also refer to any heavy item that causes something else to go down, emphasizing its versatility in everyday language.
  • In the realm of colloquial expressions, saying someone 'sank' in a situation often means they faced challenges or failed.

Literature

  • Sinkers often symbolize weakness or danger in literature, highlighting themes of decline or the struggle against forces that pull one down.
  • In poetry, the act of sinking can be used to convey emotions such as despair, loss, or an overwhelming situation.
  • Notable authors have used the metaphor of sinking to explore human experiences, influencing how we interpret challenges.

Origin of 'sinker'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'sincan,' meaning to sink or down.
  • It has connections to similar words in German and Dutch that also refer to something that drops or goes down.
  • Historically, the concept of sinking has been used in various contexts, from ships to fishing.

The word 'sinker' originates from the term 'sink', which comes from the Old English word 'sincan', meaning 'to sink, fall, or descend'. This root can be traced back to Germanic languages, with similar forms in Old High German ('sinkลn') and Old Norse ('sinka'). The suffix '-er' is typically used in English to denote an agent or a tool, thus essentially creating a term that signifies something that causes sinking. The use of sinkers has been prevalent in fishing as ancient civilizations developed methods to catch fish, necessitating tools to help bait reach the correct depths in various aquatic environments. Over time, the terminology expanded into other domains, retaining its core meaning related to weight and descent.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,740, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.