pinprick
|pin-prick|
B2
/ˈpɪnˌprɪk/
small puncture or irritation
Etymology
Etymology Information
'pinprick' originates from the combination of 'pin' and 'prick', where 'pin' refers to a small pointed object and 'prick' means to pierce slightly.
Historical Evolution
'pinprick' evolved from the Middle English word 'prikken', which meant to pierce or puncture.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a small puncture', but over time it also came to mean 'a minor annoyance'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small puncture made by or as if by a pin.
The pinprick on her finger was barely noticeable.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a minor annoyance or irritation.
The constant noise was a pinprick to his concentration.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/04/30 03:10