WICK Meaning and
Definition
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A wick refers to a cord or a strip of material, most commonly made of cotton or other fibrous material, that is used to draw up liquid, typically from a container, for the purpose of combustion or illumination. The term "wick" finds widespread use in various contexts, predominantly in the realm of candles and lamps. For instance, in traditional candles, the wick is centrally placed and functions as the fuel delivery system, carrying melted candle wax up to the flame where it steadily and slowly vaporizes, providing the necessary fuel for combustion. Similarly, in oil lamps, a wick is required to absorb and transport the oil from the reservoir to the flame in a controlled and sustainable manner.
The selection of an appropriate wick is crucial as it determines the quality of the burning process. Wicks come in various sizes and thicknesses, depending on the intended purpose, such as small wicks for tea lights or larger ones for pillar candles. To achieve optimal burn quality and minimize issues such as smoking, flickering, or uneven burning, factors like wick material, diameter, and length need careful consideration.
Beyond lighting sources, wicks are also utilized in certain applications involving slow and consistent liquid release, such as in a reed diffuser or an oil lamp. In these instances, the wick serves to transport fragrance oil from the reservoir to the exposed end, where it gradually evaporates, diffusing the scent into the surrounding area. Overall, the versatile nature of wicks makes them an integral component in various devices and products that rely on a controlled and sustained liquid transfer for illumination, fragrance, or other purposes.
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Soft threads of cotton or other substance loosely twisted or plaited into a string for a candle or lamp.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for WICK *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for WICK
Etymology of WICK
The word "wick" can be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled "wic" or "wīc". The etymology of "wick" is believed to come from the Proto-Germanic word "wikjaz", meaning "village" or "dwelling place". This term eventually evolved into "wīc" in Old English, referring specifically to a trading or productive settlement. Over time, the meaning of "wīc" expanded to include various interpretations such as "dwelling", "house", or "shelter". From this root, the word "wick" emerged, often used to describe a piece of cord or a braided material that draws up liquid (such as in a candle or oil lamp).
Idioms with the word WICK
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get on (one's) wick
The idiom "get on (one's) wick" means to annoy, irritate, or frustrate someone. It refers to a situation or behavior that gradually builds up annoyance or frustration in an individual.
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get on sb's wick
The idiom "get on sb's wick" means to irritate, annoy, or frustrate someone constantly or repeatedly. It refers to behaviors or actions that aggravate or upset an individual to the point of annoyance.
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dip your wick
The idiom "dip your wick" is considered slang and has a crude, sexual connotation. It is often used to refer to engaging in sexual intercourse or seeking sexual gratification.
Similar spelling words for WICK
- wish,
- WICE,
- weick,
- wig,
- wicks,
- wiz,
- Wike,
- wieck,
- WiX,
- Wicke,
- wise.
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