needle

[ need-l ]
/ ˈnid l /

noun

verb (used with object), nee·dled, nee·dling.

verb (used without object), nee·dled, nee·dling.

to form needles in crystallization.
to work with a needle.

Idioms for needle

    on the needle, Slang. taking drugs by injection, especially habitually.
    the needle, Informal. irritating abuse; teasing; heckling (used especially in the phrases give someone the needle and get the needle).

Origin of needle

before 900; 1880–85 for def 16; Middle English nedle, Old English nǣdl, cognate with German Nadel; akin to Latin nēre to spin

OTHER WORDS FROM needle

nee·dle·like, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for needling

British Dictionary definitions for needling

needle
/ (ˈniːdəl) /

noun

verb

Word Origin for needle

Old English nǣdl; related to Gothic nēthla, German Nadel

Medical definitions for needling (1 of 2)

needling
[ nēdl-ĭng ]

n.

Dissection of a soft or secondary cataract.

Medical definitions for needling (2 of 2)

needle
[ nēdl ]

n.

A slender, usually sharp-pointed instrument used for puncturing tissues, suturing, or passing a ligature around an artery.
A hollow, slender, sharp-pointed instrument used for injection or aspiration.

v.

To separate tissues by means of one or two needles in the dissection of small parts.

Scientific definitions for needling

needle
[ nēdl ]

A narrow, stiff leaf, as of firs, pines, and other conifers. The reduced surface area of needles minimizes water loss and allows needle-bearing plants to live in dry climates. See more at leaf.
See hypodermic needle.

Idioms and Phrases with needling

needle