Dictionary
nip
Pronunciation: (nip), [key]
—v., nipped, nip•ping,
—n.
—
v.t.
1. to squeeze or compress tightly between two surfaces or points; pinch; bite.
2. to take off by pinching, biting, or snipping (usually fol. by
off):
He nipped off a piece of steak and gave it to the dog.
3. to check in growth or development.
4. to affect sharply and painfully or injuriously, as a very cold temperature:
a cold wind that nips the fingers.
5. Informal.to snatch away suddenly.
6. Informal.to defeat (an opponent) by a very close margin; edge.
7. Informal.to steal or pilfer.
8. Naut.
a. (of ice) to press (a ship) from opposite sides.
b. to seize (a taut rope) to another rope.
—
v.i.
1. Chiefly Brit. Slang.to leave stealthily; sneak away; flee (often fol. by
away).
2. nip in the bud. See
bud 1 (def. 6).
—
n.
1. an act of nipping; a pinch or small bite:
The dog took several nips at our heels.
2. a biting quality, as in cold or frosty air:
There's a nip in the air this morning.
3. sharp cold; a sharp touch of frost:
The trees had felt the first nip of winter.
4. a sharp or biting remark.
5. a biting taste or tang, esp. in some cheese.
6. a small bit or quantity of anything:
a nip of bread to stave off hunger.
7. Naut.
a. an abrupt turn or twist in a rope.
b. a part of a rope or chain bound by a seizing or nipper.
8. Usually,
nips. nipper (def. 2).
9. nip and tuck, with each competitor equaling or closely contesting the speed, scoring, or efforts of the other:
It was nip and tuck as to which sailboat would reach port first. nip
Pronunciation: (nip), [key]
—n., v., nipped, nip•ping.
—
n.
1. a small drink of alcoholic liquor; sip:
a person who relishes an occasional nip.
2. Chiefly Brit.split (def. 29).
—
v.t., v.i.
to drink (alcoholic liquor) in small sips, esp. repeatedly.
Nip
Pronunciation: (nip), [key]—
n., adj. Slang (disparaging and offensive).
Japanese.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
