ink
/ˈɪŋk/ noun, verb
Forms inks inking inked inke
- noun A pigment (or dye)-based fluid used for writing, printing etc. “This form should be filled out in ink.”
- noun (countable) A particular type, color or container of this fluid.
- noun The black or dark-colored fluid ejected by squid, octopus etc, as a protective strategy.
- noun (slang, uncountable) Publicity. “to get ink”
- noun (slang, uncountable) Tattoo work.
- noun (slang) Cheap red wine.
- verb (transitive) To apply ink to; to cover or smear with ink.
- verb (transitive) To sign (a contract or similar document).
- verb (transitive) To apply a tattoo to (someone).
- verb (intransitive, of a squid or octopus) to eject ink (sense 3)
Synonyms
ballyhoo flak hoopla hype plug spotlight paint endorse initial inscribe subscribe
Etymology
From Middle English ynke, from Old French enque, from Latin encaustum (“purple ink used by Roman emperors to sign documents”), from Ancient Greek ἔγκαυστον (énkauston, “burned-in”), from ἐν (en, “in”) + καίω (kaíō, “burn”). In this sense, displaced native Old English blæc (“ink”, literally “black”).
Sense four refers to the ink used in newspapers.
Webster’s 1913
- noun The step, or socket, in which the lower end of a millstone spindle runs.
- noun A fluid, or a viscous material or preparation of various kinds (commonly black or colored), used in writing or printing.
- noun A pigment. See India ink, under India.
- verb To put ink upon; to supply with ink; to blacken, color, or daub with ink.
Etymology [OE. enke, inke, OF. enque, F. encre, L. encaustum the purple red ink with which the Roman emperors signed their edicts, Gr. Encaustic, Caustic.]
Sources: Wiktionary · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “ink”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details