Definition of "needle" in 英语

noun

1. A long, thin, sharp implement usually for piercing as in sewing, embroidery, acupuncture, tattooing, body piercing, medical injections, sutures, etc; or a blunt but otherwise similar implement used for forming loops or knots in crafts such as darning, knitting, tatting, etc.

   • The seamstress threaded the needle to sew on a button.
   • reusable needles
   • single-use needles

2. Any slender, pointed object resembling a needle, such as a pointed crystal, a sharp pinnacle of rock, an obelisk, etc.

3. A fine measurement indicator on a dial or graph.

   • a compass needle
   • The needle on the fuel gauge pointed to empty.

4. (informal) A sensor for playing phonograph records, a phonograph stylus.

   • Ziggy bought some diamond needles for his hi-fi phonograph.

5. A needle-like leaf found on some conifers.

6. A strong beam resting on props, used as a temporary support during building repairs.

7. (informal, usually preceded by the) The death penalty carried out by lethal injection.

8. (programming) A text string that is searched for within another string. (see: needle in a haystack)

9. (entomology) Any of various species of damselfly of the genus Synlestes, endemic to Australia.

10. (gymnastics) A move in which the performer begins with two hands and one leg on the floor, then kicks the other leg into a full split.

verb

1. To pierce with a needle, especially for sewing or acupuncture.

2. (transitive) To tease in order to provoke; to poke fun at.

   • Billy needled his sister incessantly about her pimples.

3. (ambitransitive) To form, or be formed, in the shape of a needle.

   • to needle crystals