KNICK Meaning and
Definition
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A knick is a term with multiple meanings and uses. Primarily, it refers to a small notch, chip, or dent on a surface, typically resulting from impact or wear. For instance, a knick may occur when a glass falls and a fragment breaks off from the rim. In a similar vein, a knick can be a slight cut or scratch on the skin caused by a sharp object.
Furthermore, knick can also be a noun that signifies a sudden, transient change in a landscape or geographical feature, especially in terms of river formations. It refers to a sharp bend or turn in a watercourse, typically formed by erosion or variations in the underlying structure. As a result, a river may exhibit irregular, zigzag patterns due to these knicks, altering the natural flow and shape of the channel.
In colloquial usage, knick is sometimes employed as a shortened form of the term "knick-knack". It denotes a small decorative object or trinket, often cherished for its sentimental or aesthetic value. These knicks encompass a diverse range of items, such as figurines, souvenirs, or decorative ornaments, which are often placed on shelves or tables to enhance the visual appeal of a space.
Overall, the term knick encompasses a variety of notions, including a small notch or dent, a sharp bend in a river, and a decorative trinket. Its usage extends across several domains, ranging from physical objects to natural phenomena.
Common Misspellings for KNICK
Etymology of KNICK
The word "knick" has two separate etymologies, depending on its context.
1) "Knick" as a noun, meaning a small nick or cut, is derived from the Middle Low German word "knicken", which means "to bend" or "to cut off". This German term eventually evolved to "knicken" in Middle Dutch and was later borrowed into English as "knick" in the early 19th century.
2) "Knick" as a verb, meaning to change direction suddenly or to make a sharp turn, comes from the British dialectal word "knick", meaning "to bend" or "wind". This term is believed to have originated from the Old Norse word "hníga", which has a similar meaning.
Therefore, "knick" has different etymologies depending on whether it is used as a noun or verb.
Idioms with the word KNICK
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knick-knack
A small decorative item, trinket, or ornament, typically of little value or use.
Similar spelling words for KNICK
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