| 释义 |
needlen. Origin: A word inherited from Germanic. Etymology: Cognate with Old Frisian nedle, Old Saxon nāðla (Middle Low German nātel, nattel, (rare) nādel), Old High German nādala, nādel, nādila (Middle High German nādele, nādel, German Nadel), Old Icelandic nál (with loss of medial þ), Swedish nål, Danish nål, Gothic nēþla < a suffixed (instrumental: see below) form of the same Germanic base as Middle Dutch naeyen (Dutch naaien), Middle Low German neien, neyen, neigen, etc., Old High German nāen, nājan, nāwan, etc. (Middle High German næjen, næn, nægen, etc., German nähen), all in sense ‘to sew’, probably ultimately < the same Indo-European base as classical Latin nēre, ancient Greek νεῖν, νήθειν to spin, Middle Welsh, Welsh nyddu to spin, twist, and with initial s-, Early Irish sníid spins, twists (also snímaid, Irish sníomh).The same suffix (forming names of tools and instruments) is shown by e.g. bottle n.1, spattle n.1, staddle n. With the β. forms compare Old Frisian nēlde , Middle Dutch naelde , nalde (Dutch naald ), Middle Low German nālde , Old High German nālda (Middle High German nālde , nōlde , nulde ), and see further discussion s.v. bold n. The modern spelling reflects pronunciations in early modern English with the reflex of Middle English close ē ; however, spellings with -ea- , -ai- suggest the persistence until the early 18th cent. (and later in regional English) of pronunciations with the reflex of Middle English open ē : see quot. 1559 at sense 2a, and (with explicit comment on the pronunciation) quot. 1701 at sense 1aβ. ; compare also:1610 Histrio-mastix ii. sig. C3 Vsh. One of you answer the names of your playes. Post. Mother Gurtons neadle. I. Senses relating to tools or implements. 1. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > [noun] > sewing > equipment for > needle α. eOE (1974) 42 Pictus acu, mið naeðlae asiuuid. eOE (1890) 11/1 Acus, netl uel gronuisc. eOE (1890) 93/2 Pictus, acu, mið nethle, asiowid. OE (1936) 112 Gifer hatte se wyrm, þam þa geaflas beoð nædle scearpran. OE (1991) 40 Unde piscatori hamus, aut sutori subula, siue sartori acus? : hwanon fiscere ancgel, oþþe sceowyrhton æl, oþþe seamere nædl? c1175 (Burchfield transcript) l. 6341 Wiþþ utenn cnif. & shæþe. & camb. & nedle. a1393 J. Gower (Fairf.) vi. 559 (MED) Nomore than a blind man thredeth His nedle be the Sonnes lyht. a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer (Hunterian) 97 A sylvre nedle [Fr. aguille] forth y drough..And gan this nedle threde anon. (Harl. 221) 352 Nedyl, to sow wythe nattys, or oþer boystows ware, broccus. 1484 W. Caxton tr. iii. i [The shepherd] with a nydle subtylly drewe oute of his foote the thorne. ?1530 J. Fitzherbert (rev. ed.) f. xlviii [Have] thymble, nedle, threde,..lest yt thy gurth breke. 1584 R. Scot xii. vii. 226 She sticketh also needels fine In liuers, whereby men doo pine. 1653 I. Walton iv. 111 With a needle or pin divide the wing into two. View more context for this quotation 1678 156 This [sin] is..that needle, that too surely draws a thread of divine vengeance after it. 1712 R. Steele No. 430. ¶1 With a Needle and Thread thriftily mending his Stockings. 1751 S. Johnson No. 85. ⁋12 A knot of misses busy at their needles. 1821 52 448 Acupuncturation..consists in inserting a needle into the muscular parts of the body, to the depth, sometimes, of an inch. 1865 J. Lubbock xii. 407 For needles they use bones either of birds or fishes. 1872 W. Black xx. 279 Sticking another needle in her mental image of that poor monarch. 1914 W. D. Steele 189 The warm air stung like a rain of needles. 1926 T. Driberg in 21 Swift needles of sun pierce down indigo clouds to London town. 1971 E. Wilson (1975) ii. 134 If the needle is too big, you have to force it through the canvas; if it is too small, you have to drag it too hard. 1999 Mar. 18/4 Please could you tell me what type and size of needle I should use to stitch silk ribbon? 2003 (Nexis) 1 July 17 Who can forget that first, massive, awful hangover..? Piercing needles of light herald the dreadful dawning of the morning after, clashing sounds jar the discordant day. the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > [noun] > that which is unimportant > of little worth ?c1225 (?a1200) (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 293 Sahsunes strengðe..Alisandres hereword..alle somed aȝein mibodi nebeoð naut wurð anelde. c1330 (?a1300) (Auch.) (1973) 4012 (MED) Þo he þe stede was opon, He ȝaue a nedel of his fon. c1380 (1879) 101 [Of] such þre y ne ȝyue auelde [read anelde]. c1425 (c1400) 8828 (MED) Ector held..the felde, He ȝaff of hem nouȝt alle anelde. a1500 (a1460) (1897–1973) 11 (MED) When all mens corn was fayre in feld, Then was myne not worth a neld. a1500 (a1460) (1897–1973) 123 (MED) I ete not an nedyll Thys moneth and more. c1535 iii. sig. C.ii Suche willers witte is nat worth a nelde. 1777 (rev. ed.) iv. 26 They warna a needle o' differ between their dadies. the world > health and disease > healing > medical appliances or equipment > surgical instruments > [noun] > needles a1400 tr. Lanfranc (Ashm.) (1894) 36 (MED) Haue a nedle þre cornerid, whos iȝe schal be holid on boþe sidis, so þat þe þred þat is in þe nedle may lie in þe holowȝ place. c1475 tr. Henri de Mondeville (Wellcome) f. 150 Þe nedele þat þe wounde schal be sewid with schal be þre squar and scharpe & of good stele, & clene. 1598 A. M. tr. J. Guillemeau f. 20v/2 He then vnwyndeth his needle, and openeth the lippes of the wounde. 1681 N. Grew iv. §i. 360 A Box of Anatomick Instruments; sc. Saws..Pipes, Probes, and Needles. 1728 E. Chambers at Cataract Turning the Needle round, they twist the Cataract about its Point. 1768 tr. L. Heister (ed. 8) I. i. vi. 74 A large crooked needle, for stitching large Wounds, with a double Thread, to make the quilled Suture. 1803 10 566 If the anterior part of the capsula remain,..the needle is retracted from the lens. 1846 F. Brittan tr. J. F. Malgaigne 309 A silver or golden needle about three inches long... The oculist holds this needle as a pen. 1950 K. W. Starr in E. R. Carling & J. P. Ross VIII. 140 Atraumatic sutures. In plastic procedures on nerves, blood-vessels, tendons, [etc.]..the finest atraumatic needle (8–20 millimetres) is required. 1979 149 84 He [sc. the surgeon] should choose surgical needles that will introduce sutures through these tissues in the most precise and rapid manner. 1989 7 441 This needle has a short, straight, sharpened point with a reverse cutting edge, followed by a curved distal section. 2000 66 302 Punctures were made with hollow-bore and solid surgical needles of various configurations. the world > action or operation > endeavour > make an attempt or endeavour [verb (intransitive)] > attempt the impossible the world > action or operation > endeavour > searching or seeking > make a search [verb (intransitive)] > engage in a hopeless search c1530 T. More Let. Impugnynge J. Fryth in (1557) 837/2 To seke out one lyne in all hys bookes wer to go looke a nedle in a medow. 1592 R. Greene sig. Ev He..gropeth in the dark to find a needle in a bottle of hay. 1690 W. Walker (1695) Pref. A labour much like that of seeking a needle in a Bottle of Hay. 1711 E. Ward (ed. 3) iii. 95 Seeking we may say, A Needle in a Truss of Hay. 1742 T. Gray Let. 24 May in (1971) I. 203 A coach that seem'd to have lost its way by looking for a needle in a bottle of hay. 1779 W. Rogers in J. Sullivan (1887) 262 But agreeably to the old adage it was similar to looking for needles in a hay stack. 1832 Aug. 125 That is what many a man has tried..but a wild goose chase they have had of it. One might as well look for a needle in a bottle of hay. 1840 6 756/1 To have followed them to Europe, would indeed have been, as the old man said, ‘to look for a needle in a haystack’. 1855 C. Kingsley xxx But it's ill looking for a needle in a haystack. 1875 J. R. Lowell Spenser in (1890) IV. 268 These thin needles of wit buried in unwieldy haystacks of verse. 1955 ‘N. Shute’ (1958) 191 It was like looking for a needle in a bundle of hay, of course. 2000 29 Apr. 284/1 Today's biologists need computing power to find even the most obvious needles in molecular haystacks of information. the mind > emotion > anger > irritation > [noun] > fit of the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > [noun] > needlework > one who 1617 F. Moryson iii. i. i. 51 The Florentines..good at the needle. 1834 W. Beckford II. 83 Sister Francisca Salesia..is acknowledged to be one of the first needles in Christendom. 1857 C. Dickens ii. xvii. 468 There was no favor in half-a-crown a-day to such a needle as herself. 2. society > communication > indication > pointing out > [noun] > one who or that which > on a compass society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > navigational aids > [noun] > bit of magnetized steel as direction indicator society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > navigational aids > [noun] > compass > needle of a1393 J. Gower (Fairf.) viii. 541 (MED) He hath his rihte cours forth holde Be Ston and nedle til he cam To Tharse. c1425 J. Lydgate (Augustus A.iv) i. 685 (MED) With help only of nedle and of stoon, Þei may nat erre what costys þat þei gon. 1487 (a1380) J. Barbour (St. John's Cambr.) v. 23 Thai wist nocht quhar thai wer, For thai na nedill had na stane. 1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria f. 322 Who fyrst founde the needle of the compasse, and the vse thereof. 1559 W. Cuningham f. 161 What be th' obseruations of this neadle, by whiche you affirme that it doth not exactlye poynte Northe and Southe? 1611 A. Hopton 26 The Magneticall meridian..and the common meridian..differ.., which is called the Variation of the needle. 1625 N. Carpenter i. iii. 66 At Guinea the magneticall needle inclines to the East. 1661 J. Glanvill xii. 107 As is the trembling Needle, till it find its beloved North. 1679 2 I do not pretend..to meddle with the Needle and Compass of the Publique Bottom. a1700 T. Ken Hymnotheo in (1721) III. 335 The Needle turn'd from God, to point at ill. 1703 M. Martin 275 There is a hill in the North end which distorts the Needle on the Compass. 1774 M. Mackenzie 16 They will be less affected by any Inaccuracy in the Bearing by the Needle. 1837 C. Wheatstone & W. F. Cooke in (1839) 11 9 Whenever the needle does so point upwards and downwards, it denotes that it is quiescent. 1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher 462 After an action at sea, the needles are often found to be useless, until re-magnetized. 1876 W. H. Preece & J. Sivewright 96 The Needle is specially adapted for railway purposes and for linking together several towns on one wire. 1903 J. London vii. 218 Heading straight home through strange country with a certitude of direction that put man and his magnetic needle to shame. 1940 M. Tornich App. C. 126 This error, known as deviation, is the angular amount the compass needle is deflected to the east or west of the magnetic meridian. 1988 41 320 Dr Gowin Knight..had invented a machine for magnetizing needles more strongly. society > occupation and work > equipment > metalworking equipment > [noun] > equipment for testing quality of metal 1469 in (1806) 15 173 That ii gode stones and good nedeles for to touche be alwey ther, redie..to make assaie of gold. 1753 Suppl. at Touch-Needles You will be able to determine..what allay it is of, by the mark of the Needle. 1763 W. Lewis 119 Oblong pieces, called needles,..kept in readiness..as standards of comparison. 1825 ‘J. Nicholson’ 766 Assayers make a comparison upon a touch~stone, between it and certain needles composed of gold and silver,..which are called Proof Needles. the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement by weighing > equipment for weighing > [noun] > a weighing apparatus > a balance > tongue of a balance 1589 J. Rider 989 A needle, or tongue of a ballance or beame, examen. a1661 B. Holyday Illustr. 1st Sat. in (1673) 301/1 The parts of the balance... The Needle (or Tongue) that arises from the middle of the beam [etc.]. 1789 M. Madan in tr. Persius (1795) 8 (note) The tongue, needle, or beam of a balance. 1856 107 A needle is usually fixed to the beam.., which points vertically upwards or downwards when the beam is in a horizontal position. the world > relative properties > measurement > measuring instrument > [noun] > graduated instruments > pointer on a scale, dial, or gauge society > communication > indication > pointing out > [noun] > one who or that which > on a dial or other measuring instrument society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > powered vehicle > parts and equipment of motor vehicles > [noun] > instrument panel or dashboard > speedometer > needle on dial 1869 Sept. 187 It is simply a retort containing white marble, the neck of which, by means of a tube, is connected with a needle that moves upon a dial-plate. 1928 R. Kipling (1932) 60 She preferred cars to her own feet... Her place was at his left elbow, nose touching his sleeve, until the needle reached fifty. 1937 D. L. Sayers xiv. 244 He let the needle drop back to twenty-five and they dawdled on through the lanes. 1958 ‘J. Castle’ & A. Hailey ii. 31 The altimeter needle on the winking instrument panel steadily registered a climb of five hundred feet a minute. 1962 J. Glenn in J. Glenn et al. 42 The periscope..gives you an horizon-to-horizon view of the earth below so you can check your actual attitude against the needles. 1973 ‘S. Harvester’ ii. v. 118 He drove faster, watching the needle flick up to a hundred. 1987 Nov. 675/3 Departure time came, and Joe had timed it very well, with the needle just below the blowing-off point. 3. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > manufacture of textile fabric > [noun] > knitting > needle 1598 J. Florio Fare a gucchia, to knit as silke hosen be with needles. 1719 in T. D'Urfey V. 282 She let her Iv'ry Needle fall. 1753 Suppl. at Net All the tools necessary to it are wooden needles, of which there should be several of different sizes. 1797 XVII. 805/1 The method of knitting stockings by wires or needles. 1843 XXVII. 180/1 In the process of knitting..polished steel needles or wires are used to link threads together into a series of loops. 1916 E. H. Porter xxiii. 295 She knitted with two long ivory needles flashing in and out of a silky mesh of blue. 1992 Mar. 15/2 A very brief discussion of yarns and needles is followed by step by step instructions in casting on and off, plain and purl stitches. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > manufacture of textile fabric > [noun] > knitting > knitting machine > parts of the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > manufacture of textile fabric > [noun] > weaving > method of > figure weaving > loom > parts of or attachments for 1829 H. Bock in P. Earnshaw (1986) viii. 226/2 Machinery for embroidering fabrics by the use of a large number of needles formed with an eye in the centre and a point at each end; which needles are passed through the fabric from opposite sides alternately by means of pincers. 1832 J. R. McCulloch 699 Trico Berlin; so called from being invented at Berlin, and the stitch being removed three needles from its place of looping. 1843 XXVII. 178/2 Each bar or needle is a lever by which certain warp-threads are governed, in such a way that when the bars are moved longitudinally, the warp threads become elevated or depressed. a1877 E. H. Knight II. 1517/2 Needle, a horizontal piece of wire with an eye to receive the lifting-wire in a Jacquard loom. 1986 P. Earnshaw ii. 43 The needles [in a Raschel machine], like the guides, are rigidly attached to a bar, in this case a single needle bar. 4. society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > printmaking > engraving > [noun] > engraving tools 1662 J. Evelyn i. 9 The use both of the Point, Needle, and Etching in A. Fortis. 1728 E. Chambers at Engraving The Design..is traced thro' on the Copper, with a Point or Needle. ?1790 J. Imison Curious & Misc. Articles (new ed.) 32 in (ed. 2) The principal instruments for etching are needles, oil~stone [etc.]. 1837 IX. 441/2 Etching-points or needles are nearly similar in appearance to sewing-needles, but fixed into handles four or five inches long. 1897 at Dry a. Dry-point, a sharp-pointed needle used for engraving without acid on a copper plate from which the etching-ground has been removed. 1988 Feb. 47/3 Parts of the plate can be etched normally with needles and acid to form the coloured aspects. society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > parts and fittings of firearms > [noun] > lock > needle 1818 1 83 A communication must then be secured through the matter which is immediately to be rammed over it, and this is effected by..‘driving the neele’, (a corruption, I presume, of the word needle), which is an iron skewer about two feet long, having a large eye resembling that of a needle. 1853 A. Ure (ed. 4) I. 727 On pulling the trigger, the interior needle, from which the musquet takes its name, is darted forward..and thus effects the ignition. 1876 G. E. Voyle & G. de Saint-Clair-Stevenson (ed. 3) 270/1 The spiral spring..forces the needle into the cartridge and fires the piece. 1979 J. Walter 23 Soldiers were issued with spare needles. the world > health and disease > healing > medical appliances or equipment > surgical instruments > [noun] > needles > used in electrolysis 1878 (Royal Soc.) 167 715 If the stimuli be administered by means of needle-point electrodes.] 1878 1 371 A pair of needle electrodes, covered with a thin layer of sealing-wax..were [sic] inserted. 1899 T. C. Allbutt et al. VIII. 828 The positive needle should be held in position and the negative needle passed in various directions through the nævoid tissue. 1901 23 Feb. (Epitome) 32/1 The author recommends electrolysis with a platinum-iridium needle. 1953 12 235 An electrocautery needle had been applied to the horizontal semi-circular canals in the membranous labyrinth of the middle ear. 1984 34 169 Two techniques were compared on opposite sides: conventional thermolysis (erroneously termed electrolysis) using bare needles and a newly designed precision epilator. 2001 21 Nov. (New Haven County/Shoreline ed.) b2/3 The test—needle electromyography or EMG—involves inserting a needle into the muscle in the area of a purported injury and moving the needle to measure muscle activity. society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > other parts > [noun] > adjusting parts a1884 E. H. Knight Suppl. 632/2 In order to regulate the supply of oil [from a needle lubricator], a metallic feed-rod (needle) passes through the tube, and rests upon the shaft to be lubricated. 1909 Nov. 698/1 The gas-regulator can be adjusted to the fiftieth part of an inch, with dead centralisation of the needle. 1927 G. W. C. Kaye iv. 52 The needle readily beds itself into its seating, and very little pressure is needed to close the valve completely. 1965 C. M. Van Atta viii. 328 The principal feature of the design [of the needle valve] is the slowly tapering needle fitting snugly into a carefully reamed conical seat. 1989 Oct. 28/3 Modifications are essentially restricted to the exhaust system, carb jets and needles, rear shocks and fork springs. society > communication > record > recording or reproducing sound or visual material > sound recording and reproduction > sound recording or reproducing equipment > [noun] > record-playing equipment > needle or stylus 1902 XXXI. 679/2 The marker..instead of being a stiff needle coming from the centre of the membrane or glass plate, is now a lever. 1930 A. B. Wood 438 The vibrations of the diaphragm cause a needle to cut grooves on the surface of a prepared cylinder or disc. 1949 J. G. Frayne & H. Wolfe xiii. 240 Motion of the needle can be utilized to apply a force to a piezoelectric crystal and thus generate a voltage. 1973 D. Ramsay 190 The concerto came to an end. The needle began to click against the ungrooved portion of the record. 1994 S. Dawson (1996) ii. iii. 280 The cuckoo piped again in the silence, like a needle stuck on a gramophone record. 5. the world > health and disease > healing > medical appliances or equipment > equipment for applying medicaments > [noun] > syringe > pointed end of 1744 (Royal Soc.) 41 644 A very small hollow Needle with Perforations, as in that used by some instead of the Trocar. 1881 A. Flint (ed. 5) 148 A canula or hollow needle introduced into the chest. a1883 C. H. Fagge (1886) I. 926 One should never employ for tapping the chest the hollow needles which are commonly sold with the aspiratory apparatus. 1895 (Arnold & Sons) 267 Syringe, Laryngeal,..with needles for injecting the Larynx hypodermically. 1903 26 Oct. 5/7 To the end of the syringe fitted a needle. The enclosing metal case had apertures for the syringe needle. 1946 6 July 24/1 The fluid was aspirated by means of a hypodermic syringe from the uterine swellings. 1973 5 May 969/1 Percutaneous liver biopsies with a Menghini biopsy needle were performed within five days of admission. 1991 26 301 (table) State Govt will provide vaccines, needles, syringes, Vitamin A, folic acid, deworming tablets and contraceptives. 2000 18 July ii. 10/1 Identifying the type—by bronchoscopy or a biopsy with a fine needle guided by a CT scan—is crucial in determining best treatment. the world > physical sensation > use of drugs and poison > [noun] > by injection the world > physical sensation > use of drugs and poison > drug addiction or craving > [noun] > drug addict > addicted to morphia or heroin the world > physical sensation > use of drugs and poison > an intoxicating drug > [noun] > a dose of > for injection the world > physical sensation > use of drugs and poison > drug addiction or craving > [adjective] 1903 ‘J. Flynt’ The doctor came and gave him the ‘needle’—a hypodermic injection. 1918 Aug. 3/1 Somewhere else in the Mosquito will be found a poem by C. G. M. Gunnarson. We are informed..that he composed this..without the aid of ‘snow’, ‘hop’ or ‘needle’. 1929 M. A. Gill at Don't Don't break the needle, don't use all the dope. 1936 L. Duncan i. 21 I saw and became familiar with the hopheads or cokes—the cocaine addicts on the snow; the needles or hypes—morphine users. 1943 9 May ii. 5/6 He's got a band that don't need a five o'clock needle like some other bands. 1955 W. Gaddis i. v. 196 I've heard about her... On the needle. A schiz. 1968 R. Jeffries i. 8 ‘When d'you get your fixes?’ asked Elwick. ‘In—in the evenings.’ ‘How much?’ ‘Fifteen bob a needle.’ 1973 6 Sept. 306/1 Middle Britain thinks..one puff on the joint leads to the needle. 6. society > occupation and work > equipment > building and constructing equipment > fastenings > [noun] > pin or peg 1811 108 To making ridg batton and putting in niddl hols. 1837 1 6/1 Long iron needles pass through holes in the strips of saw-plate, and pin them to the ground. society > occupation and work > equipment > equipment for working with other materials > [noun] > with explosives > for making hole through charge 1838 1 292/1 Drawings of the jumpers, the tamping bar, the needle, and the discharging reed. 1865 11 Mar. 162/1 With the needle the hole is apt to collapse after the needle is drawn, or the charge liable to be prematurely ignited. 1909 Stemmer, in mining, a copper or bronze rod inserted into a powder charge, so as to leave a passage through the tamping for the fuse; a blasting needle. II. Other man-made objects. society > communication > record > memorial or monument > [noun] > structure or erection > stone > column, pillar, or obelisk a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden (St. John's Cambr.) (1872) IV. 211 (MED) Iulius his piler..now pylgryms clepeþ Seynt Petres nedle [v.r. neld; L. acus Petri]. a1500 (?c1425) (1936) 229 Tumulus..at Rome..is callyd Acus Sancti Petri, scilicet, Nedel of Seynt Peter. 1615 G. Sandys 114 An Hieroglyphicall Obelisk of Theban marble..called Pharos Needle. 1660 F. Brooke tr. V. Le Blanc 278 There is yet left a kind of Obeliske or Needle. 1693 R. Huntingdon in J. Ray II. 153 The Franks call them Aguglia's, the English particularly Cleopatra's Needles. 1801 R. Wilson Diary 3 Sept. in (1862) I. iv. 211 The batteries and forts from this pillar to Cleopatra's redoubt (where the needle is)..are immensely numerous. 1842 J. Gwilt Gloss. 1009 at Obelisk Two obelisks, one at Alexandria, vulgarly called Cleopatra's Needle. 1991 9 Mar. 544/1 The false idea that lichen planus is rare goes back to 1869, when Erasmus Wilson presented the condition to the medical world—just a few years before he presented Cleopatra's needle to London. society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > wood > wood in specific form > [noun] > roughly squared beam the world > space > relative position > support > [noun] > that which supports > supporting beam or plank of wood society > travel > means of travel > route or way > other means of passage or access > [noun] > bridge > parts of 1387–8 in L. F. Salzman (1992) App. B. 468 Le Upperbay ioynaunt bien & couenablement a le rerebay ouesque tout la carpentrie qappartient a ceo: dount les nedles serront dune pee dassise de laeur.] 1428 Acct. Rolls Newlond in at Nedle [Oak for repair of mill] nedelys. 1440 Acct. Rolls Witham & Cressing in at Nedle Nedelles et rewelbord. a1472 in J. J. Wilkinson (1875) 25 Cariage of neldis for scafelys. 1512–13 in W. H. Stevenson (1889) IV. 452 Item for a tree, the hewyng and sawyng in neldes v.s. 1587 A. Fleming et al. (new ed.) III. Contin. 1541/1 What prouision of stuffe should be made..of timber,..needels, keies, beetels, [etc.]. 1609 Hilderstoun Silver Mines I. f. 221v, in at Nedil(l Ten bottes of irne to mak fast the nedillis in the watter wall. 1684 I. Mather (1856) 5 b A violent flash, or rather flame of lightning, which brake and shivered one of the needles of the katted or wooden chimney. 1842 J. Gwilt Gloss. 1008 Needle, an horizontal piece of timber serving as a temporary support to some superincumbent weight. 1867 24 Dec. 1383/1 One of the ‘needles’—upright pieces of timber supporting the keystone of the arch—slipped from under. a1877 E. H. Knight II. 1517/2 Needle-beam, a transverse floor-beam of a bridge, resting on the chord or girders. 1988 4 20/1 With one man at each side of the wall, start to tighten up the adjustable metal props under both ends of the needles. 1472 in J. T. Fowler (1888) III. 225 Lez Cruddes voc. Seint Wilfride nedyll. 1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden i. 700 Within the Church, Saint Wilfrides Needle..A narrow hole this was, in the Crowdes or close vaulted roome under the ground. 1617 F. Moryson iii. 143 Rippen had a most flourishing Monastery, where was the most famous needle of the Archbishop Wilfred. It was a narrow hole, by which the chastity of women was tried. 1650 T. Fuller iii. 323 We..account the threading of Saint Wilfrides needle, as a conceit..to have as much gravity, and truth therein. 1997 E. A. Livingstone (ed. 3) 1399/2 Beneath..is the 7th-cent. crypt featuring the small aperture connecting the crypt with an adjacent passage, known as ‘St Wilfrid's Needle’. III. A natural object resembling a needle. the world > the earth > land > land mass > reef > stack > [noun] > spec the world > the earth > land > landscape > high land > rocky peak > [noun] c1400 (P.R.O.) 9425 (MED) La terre deuaunt les nedeles del Isle de Wight. ?c1475 in J. Gairdner (1889) 14 (MED) At the nedlis it flowith south est and by south fro the nedles to Portlonde. 1594 T. Nashe Terrors of Night in (1883) III. 263 A fortunate blessed Iland, nere those pinacle rocks called the Needles. 1630 J. Winthrop 8 Apr. (1996) 5 We gatt through the needles, havinge so little wi[nde] as we had muche to doe to stemme the tyde. 1706 (new ed.) The Needles, certain Shelves in the Sea, about the Isle of Wight. 1721 146 On the Platform of the Mountain there is a natural Pyramid, whence it was called a needle. 1775 C. Davy & F. Davy tr. M.-T. Bourrit 67 The chain..is composed of masses of rocks, which terminate in pikes, or spires, called the Needles. 1820 M. Starke ii. 66 The Mer de Glace..on its margin rise pyramidical rocks, called Needles. 1852 D. G. Mitchell 279 Far behind them..Mont Blanc and the Needles of Chamouni. 1960 B. W. Sparks viii. 175 The production of stacks, such as the Old Man of Hoy in the Orkneys and the Needles off the western end of the Isle of Wight. 1998 12 June 39/1 Beating avoids bunching 15 miles down the track, at the Needles. †11. the world > animals > fish > unspecified types > [noun] 1589 J. Rider 1722 Nedelis, a kind of fish, belone. 1603 G. Owen (1892) I. 123 The Erle or needle whose fynes growe forward contrarie to the nature of all fishe. the world > animals > invertebrates > subkingdom Metazoa > grade Triploblastica or Coelomata > phylum Mollusca > [noun] > Testacea (shelled molluscs) > shelled mollusc > shell 1713 J. Petiver 3/2 Strombus..Curl girdled Needle. 1778 E. M. da Costa 107 Snails of a very long slender and taper shape, like the strombi, or needles. 12. the world > matter > chemistry > crystallography (general) > crystal (general) > crystal habit > [noun] > needle 1676 T. Guidott iv. 24 These Stiriæ, or Needles, I observed in the water of all the Baths, yet in a different shape and consistence. 1712 J. Browne tr. P. Pomet et al. I. 184 Benjamin being very full of volatile Particles.., the Flowers ascend in little Needles very white. 1758 A. Reid tr. P. J. Macquer I. 215 Pyrites..being broken present a number of shining needles, all radiating, as it were, from a center. 1800 tr. E. J. B. Bouillon-Lagrange II. 128 You will obtain a salt under the form of small needles. 1873 C. Kingsley (ed. 5) 87 A twisted wisp of strong flexible flint needles. 1880 4 104 Some of these ‘needles’ [of needle-tin] are extremely fine. 1934 C. P. Snow I. iii. 52 Needles of cinnamic acid glinting at the bottom of a test-tube. 1962 R. Webster I. x. 163 When the enclosed crystals are long hair-like needles of red or golden-coloured rutile the material is called rutilated quartz. 1991 24 Jan. 285/1 The inorganic crystals [of tooth enamel] are long thin needles. the world > animals > invertebrates > subkingdom Parazoa > phylum Porifera > [noun] > member of > parts of > sponge spicule 1870 4 19 The sponge mass is described as composed of loosely interwoven cords of fine silicious needles. a1933 J. A. Thomson (1934) I. iv. 73 The middle stratum of the wall of the vase is supported by needles or three-rayed spicules of limestone. 1968 P. Brien in M. Florkin & B. T. Scheer II. i. i. 3 The calcareous spicules of the Calcarea are fine needles, pointed at both ends: the diactinal oxea. 1998 L. Margulis & K. V. Schwartz (ed. 3) iii. 214/1 The mesohyl..contains ameboid cells (amebocytes) and support spicules (skeletal needles) or spongin fibers. the world > plants > particular plants > plants and herbs > according to family > Umbelliferae (umbellifers) > [noun] > shepherd's needle 1793 11 52 Unaccountably foul with catlock, needles, &c. 1851 12 ii. 348 Weeds are very troublesome, especially the wild oat, buttercup, and ‘needle’. 1877 E. Peacock 178/1 Needles, a weed, with sharp needle-like seed-pods, which grows among corn. 1996 R. Mabey 285/2 The plant has proved impervious to herbicides, and the needles impossible to separate from the grain. the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > conifers > [noun] > needle or needles 1798 16 357 Its needles are longer and darker than those of the famous Weymouth Pine. 1845 3 901 A pine tree..stripped of its leaves, or needles, as the Germans more aptly term them. 1883 R. Jefferies 159 His golden crest distinctly seen among the dark green needles of the fir. 1936 H. Gilbert-Carter 7 Abies. Fir... Needles flat, usually more or less bifarious on the lateral branches. 1974 A. J. Huxley (1978) vii. 74 Conifers, which tend to cover their twigs in ‘needles’. 1986 Dec. 49/1 A 4ft. (1.2m) [Christmas] tree may have over 30,000 needles to drop on the carpet. 1998 26 Oct. 100/1 Important drugs in cancer therapy have been derived from botanical sources: Taxol, for breast and ovarian tumors, from the needles of the Pacific yew tree. the world > animals > animal body > general parts > covering or skin > [noun] > hard or protective covering > spine > on integument of lower animals 1874 23 35 The spines radiate symmetrically from the direction of the centre of each chamber of the shell, and the sheaves of long transparent needles..have a very beautiful effect. 1889 23 944 Sheltered beneath the coral boughs lie innumerable sea urchins, bristling all over with black, shiny needles. 1906 J. London ii. ii. 70 The porcupine rolled itself into a ball, radiating long, sharp needles in all directions that defied attack. 1979 D. Attenborough (1981) ii. 49 The skin has spines and needles attached to it so the creatures are known as echinoderms, ‘spiny skins’. 2000 (Nexis) 2 Apr. c11 I have a chart showing the porcupine as being black but (this one) was a light tan with darker tan needles. IV. Senses relating to people. the world > life > the body > sex organs > male sex organs > [noun] > penis 1592 J. Lyly iv. ii. sig. F2 Cupid. I say I will pricke as well with my needle, as euer I did with mine arrowes. 1638 T. Nabbes i. vi. 14 Let my needle run in your Diall. 1707 i. 130 The Seamans Needle nimbly points the Pole But thine still turns to every craving Hole. 1720 in T. D'Urfey VI. 92 I straightway whip my Needle out. 1980 E. Jong ii. i. 165 ‘Won't ye have a Nestlecock?’ cries the second Tart, ‘..a Needlewoman fer yer e'er-loving Needle?’ the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > thief > defrauder or swindler > [noun] 1790 H. T. Potter Needle, a sharp fellow, a sharper, a cheat. 1821 P. Egan 138 (Farmer) Among the needles at the West end of the town. 18. the mind > emotion > anger > [noun] the mind > emotion > hatred > [noun] the mind > emotion > anger > [verb (intransitive)] > become angry the mind > emotion > suffering > state of annoyance or vexation > be annoyed or vexed [verb (intransitive)] > cause annoyance or vexation the mind > emotion > fear > nervousness or uneasiness > [noun] > nervousness > a fit of nervousness 1874 (rev. ed.) 235 To ‘cop the needle’ is to become vexed or annoyed. 1884 in J. R. Ware (1909) (at cited word) Professor Grant, Q.C., had both ‘the bird’ and ‘the needle’ at the Royal on Monday. 1887 30 July 45 It give 'im the needle..being left in the lurch this way. 1890 A. Barrère & C. G. Leland II. 84/2 To get the needle is to feel very nervous and funky. 1922 J. Joyce ii. v. [Lotus Eaters] 73 Softsoaping. Give you the needle that would. Can't he hear the difference? 1962 20 Sept. 450/2 Spokesmen for the builders and the mortgage societies, who were given..what I can only describe as a dose of the old needle. 1970 G. F. Newman v. 130 He's got the needle with you. You've got to go very careful. 1980 T. Wolfe (1981) vii. 147 Al..was not the type to let Glenn get away with it... Al kept putting the needle in. 1992 Dec. 76/2 Lady likes him for believing that, but she gives him the needle because she knows it isn't true. society > leisure > sport > player or sportsperson > [noun] > qualities of sportsperson 1923 1 Aug. 8/2 It may be, of course, that there was too much ‘needle’ (to employ a boxing term which means bad spirit) about this contest. 1959 8 June 3/1 Perhaps it was this very lack of needle, this air of unreality in the late evening of Saturday..that failed to see Davies home to a victory. 1970 16 Mar. 8 Without the constant needle of improving competition, the men at the top will find it difficult to improve any further. 1987 Mar. 6/1 That she was seeded 2 to Liz Irving's 1 was the sort of needle she needed. 1996 13 Oct. (Sport section) 6/2 Hill and Villeneuve had already shown an edginess that suggested there was an increased level of needle in their rivalry. Compounds C1. a. Objective. Now rare (chiefly historical). (a) society > occupation and work > worker > workers according to type of work > manual or industrial worker > producer > needle- or pin-maker > [noun] > involved in specific process 1823 40 145 A back elevation of a needle-grinder's wheel. 1882 Oct. 239/3 Needle-grinders generally succomb [sic] after twelve or fourteen years. 1997 R. Floud ii. 31 Needle grinders suffered from ‘grinder's asthma’ as the stone and steel-dust entered their lungs. society > occupation and work > worker > workers according to type of work > manual or industrial worker > producer > needle- or pin-maker > [noun] 1571 7 July in R. H. Tawney & E. Power (1951) I. vi. 313 Leven Denehout, nedellmaker. 1600 J. Pory tr. J. Leo Africanus ii. 137 Eastward of the apothecaries dwell the needle-makers. 1723 No. 6134/4 John Lowe,..Needle-maker. 1845 VIII. 673/1 Measures to be taken by the larger needle-makers themselves. 1981 27 Feb. 16/3 The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress..were guests of the Master and Wardens of the Needlemakers' Company at a Ladies' dinner held last night. society > trade and finance > selling > seller > sellers of specific things > [noun] > seller of needles 1814 F. Burney V. ix. lxxxi. 109 Ever since I saw your distress at the fair Gallic needle-monger's. 1837 C. A. Wheelwright tr. Aristophanes I. 13 The needlemonger too with Pamphilus. society > occupation and work > worker > workers according to type of work > manual or industrial worker > producer > needle- or pin-maker > [noun] > involved in specific process 1898 T. C. Allbutt et al. V. 159 Flint-workers, needle-polishers,..supply the largest contingent of pulmonary diseases. society > trade and finance > selling > seller > sellers of specific things > [noun] > seller of needles 1853 W. J. Hickie tr. Aristophanes II. 692 And will not the 'Needle-seller' [suffer] along with Pamphilus? 1985 L. Kennedy (1986) ii. vii. 105 Italian door salesmen (a needle seller and a scissors grinder) called at Condon's house. (b) society > occupation and work > industry > manufacturing processes > needle-making > [noun] 1845 VIII. 672/2 The injurious effect of needle grinding upon the health of the individuals. 1863 V. Penny 228 Dr. G. C. Holland writes: ‘We candidly admit that the physical evils produced by needle grinding exceed all that imagination has pictured.’ 2001 (Nexis) 30 July 13 We've grown from a simple needle griding operation to an elaborate electrochemical..needle grinding operation. society > occupation and work > industry > manufacturing processes > needle-making > [noun] 1845 VIII. 671/1 Needle-making, old process. 1872 J. Yeats 343 In England needle-making has become a staple trade. 1995 P. Panayi i. 9 Other German immigrants played a part in metal industries such as cutlery, steel and needle-making. b. Instrumental. (a) the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric manufactured in specific way > [adjective] > lace > needle or point 1865 F. B. Palliser iv. 42 The Italians claim the invention of point, or needle-made lace. 1984 P. Turner (1990) 9/2 The group of laces known as needle-made lace..includes some of the more familiar names used to describe crochet patterns. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric manufactured in specific way > [adjective] > lace > other society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > painting and drawing > painting > painting according to medium or technique > [adjective] > other techniques ?1609 G. Chapman tr. Homer iii. 49 The needle-painted Lace, with which his Helme was tied Beneath his chin. 1910 2 Feb. 5/4 An exhibition of needle-painted wild flowers of South Africa was opened yesterday. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric manufactured in specific way > [adjective] > lace > needle or point 1894 31 May 3/3 The mingling of needle-run..lace and broad white satin ribbon. 1953 M. Powys xi. 182 In the early American needlerun example illustrated in Plate 105, different fillings are used. the world > health and disease > ill health > blemish > [adjective] > scar 1854 G. J. Whyte-Melville ix Holding up her needle-scarred hands to the bystanders. 1898 Nov. 477/1 The forefinger of her left hand was rough and ugly and needle-scarred. 2001 (Nexis) 16 July A1 [His] rap sheet and needle-scarred body became a testament to a life that had spiraled out of control. (b) the world > space > relative position > condition of being open or not closed > an opening or aperture > [noun] > small opening 1847 I. 851 A very minute needle-hole made in the centre of it. 1946 N. Wymer v. 47 From the start he was taught to keep his needle-holes as equidistant as possible, the length he must make each stitch being marked off for him on his leather by means of a pricking-iron. 1993 July 104/3 Use a straight-stitch throat plate to prevent fabric from being drawn down into needle hole. the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > surgery > puncture > [noun] > hole made by puncture 1845 J. E. Alexander in Aug. 505 The hot needle punctures of the black and sand-flies cease, but then the phlebotomist musqueto [sic] wields his long lance. 1899 T. C. Allbutt et al. VIII. 847 Cancerous deposits may form at the sites of the needle punctures. 1991 Aug. 6/2 A nursery research group..which has been studying pain from needle punctures in children. the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > surgery > puncture > [noun] > acupuncture 1834 S. Cooper (ed. 4) III. 268 Advantage has sometimes been derived from needle-puncturing. c. Similative. (a) the world > space > shape > fact or condition of tapering > condition of tapering to a point > [adjective] > slender and 1807 T. Thomson (ed. 3) II. 623 It may, however, be obtained in small needleform crystals. 1950 B. 137 75 I used needle-form electrodes thrusted into the belly of the muscle. the world > space > shape > fact or condition of tapering > condition of tapering to a point > [adjective] > slender and 1784 E. Cullen tr. T. Bergman II. xxi. 280 It [sc. arsenic] is often found shapeless, friable, and powdery, but sometimes compact, divided into thick convex lamellæ, with a needle-formed or micaceous surface. 1918 Aug. 123 Foliage so finely divided as to be needle-formed or brush-like. 1873 I. 218/1 The difference between the wood of needle-leafed trees (such as the pine, fir, spruce, larch, &c.) and of broad-leafed trees chiefly depends upon the number of the cells that are converted into porous vessels. 1936 F. Clune xvii. 165 The currant or emu bush: needle-leafed, with fruit like blackberries, each one the size of a pea—not caviare to emus. 1996 84 757/2 In some (e.g. needle-leafed) species, the projected area was multiplied by a conversion factor derived from leaf cross-sections. 1854 E. A. Hunt in 13 May 305/1 Tall needle-leaved firs. 1914 2 42 The subalpine belt is characterised by needle-leaved forests (Aciculisilvae) just as in the Alps and other mountains. 1992 May 17/2 Other Tillandsia, such as T. setacea, the needle-leaved air plant, or T. filifolia, the thread-leaved air plant, have more delicate features. society > travel > air or space travel > a means of conveyance through the air > aeroplane > [adjective] > having pointed nose society > travel > air or space travel > a means of conveyance through the air > spacecraft > rocket > [adjective] > types of rocket 1931 K. M. Smith v. 36 (heading) Calocoris fulvomaculatus De Geer. Needle-nosed Hop Bug, Shy Bug. 1973 4 June 1/3 The crash came at the end of the last of three passes the needle-nosed plane made to show off its qualities. the world > space > shape > fact or condition of tapering > condition of tapering to a point > [adjective] > slender and 1786 J. Aikin tr. A. Beaumé (ed. 2) 94 The liquor..furnishes needle-shaped crystals. 1863 A. C. Ramsay 22 Needle-shaped masses of rocks. 1995 59 413 Nikolaus Dreyse (1787–1867), inventor of the ‘needle rifle’—so-named for its needle-shaped firing pin. the world > animals > animal body > general parts > rump and tail > [adjective] > relating to the tail > having a tail > having a pointed tail 1801 J. Latham Suppl. II. 259 Needle-tailed Sw[allow]. 1920 98 The first British killed example of the Needle-tailed Swift. 1950 O. E. Titelbaum tr. L. S. Berg 298 The birds..include the following: Swinhoe's snipe (Capella megala);..needle-tailed swift (Chaetura caudacuta), the tail feathers of which terminate in spines. (b) the world > plants > part of plant > leaf > [noun] > having particular shape or form 1882 G. F. Jackson at Fir-brushes The needle-foliage of fir trees. 1898 C. Phillimore 152 Through their needle foliage passes a sweet murmur. 1995 76 1816/2 This excluded any use of bare branch parts lacking needle foliage (e.g., at the branch base). the world > plants > part of plant > leaf > [noun] > having particular shape or form a1849 H. Coleridge (1851) I. 52 Those firs were old, our grandsires told..; And my soul it grieves that their needle leaves Must crackle in the blaze. 1936 F. Clune xvii. 161 Another small tree is ‘dead-finish’, with a prickly needle-leaf; remarkable enough on account of the intense irritation it sets up, if touched with the fingers. 1977 64 726/1 Each has a persistent sheath of cataphylls subtending three needle leaves. society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > [noun] > superstructure above a roof > spire 1864 23 Sept. Its tall brick cathedral, with the two needle-spires. 1960 R. Campbell tr. P. d'Arcos 44 The city with needle-spires taller than Heaven. 1995 Sept. 189/1 A sprinkling of bobbing boats and a row of houses in unexpectedly Mediterranean pastel colours, above which soars the church's needle spire. d. General attributive. (a) 1839 A. Ure 879 The first operation..of the needle factory. 1970 24 423 She [sc. Harriet Martineau] congratulates the employees in the needle factory. the world > life > the body > external parts of body > limb > extremities > hand > [noun] > types of 1827 J. F. Cooper I. i. 22 Keeping time to the rapid movement of his needle-hand, by corresponding jerks of his head and shoulders. 1899 T. C. Allbutt et al. VIII. 14 Cases of break-down in the needle-hand of tailors and seamstresses. 1925 H. G. Wells ii. i. 191 Just opposite a woman worked by lamp-light at a table, sewing something, her needle hand flew out perpetually [etc.]. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > [noun] > needlework > task consisting of 1836 E. Cheap xi. 122 Several little needle jobs. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > [noun] > sewing 1822 C. Lamb in July 34/1 The lone sempstress..after her long day's needle-toil. 1834 3 129/2 It is obvious that he can never again be employed in the African needle-trade. 1862 II. xxxii. §6449 The early history of the needle-trade. 1976 12 June 7/3 The operation concerned the selling of phony invoices to Montreal needle-trade manufacturers and wholesalers. (b) (In sense 18b.) society > leisure > sport > match or competition > [noun] > types of 1922 22 Nov. 11 There is also a ‘needle’ contest, recently arranged, between two stable-lads. 1963 15 Jan. 9/4 And then what about that ‘needle’ contest, the University match? society > leisure > sport > match or competition > [noun] > types of 1927 25 May 8/1 England's native champion..went down in a needle fight with Samuel Robinson, an experienced golfer. society > leisure > sport > match or competition > [noun] > types of 1970 28 Sept. 21/2 In soccer there is a word for a tense match, it is called a needle game and this one fitted into that category. C2. the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > code, cipher > [noun] > particular codes 1663 Marquis of Worcester Index A Needle-alphabet. 1831 G. Henson ii. 61 A twenty-four gage silk frame, fifteen inches wide, contains..a..Needle bar, upon which needle leads are screwed. a1877 E. H. Knight II. 1517/2 Needle-bar, 1. (Knitting.) In a stocking-frame, a bar in which the needles are fitted with their leads. 2. (Sewing-machine.) The reciprocating bar to whose end the needle is attached. 1989 (Nexis) May 24 The yarn feed to the needle bars, known as the creel, is displayed along the bottom of the screen. the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > washing > washing oneself or body > [noun] > bathing > a bath > shower-bath 1887 11 June 1291/2 There are reclining baths;..needle-baths; local baths; and special baths. 1894 Oct. 877/1 Marion dropped this letter in her lap. It was as if a needle-bath had played upon her warm feelings. 1986 B. M. Spears vi. 64 The ample dressing room accommodations, boasting shower and needle baths, were located on the same floor as the gymnasium, an amazing innovation in the 1890s. society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > shaft > [noun] > parts of > support or bearing 1870 (Mass. Board of Agric.) 66 The tangents may be described by needle bearings and distances. 1930 63 869/1 The needle bearing offers particular advantages for certain applications in high speed engines, as on crankpins. 1972 R. C. Gunther xiii. 408 Needle bearings are suited for slow speeds, or for oscillating and intermittent motion which permits the rollers to return to their required position upon load relief. 1985 Mar. 27/2 One major new point, though, is needle bearings on all of the Pro-Lever pivots. the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > ale or beer > beer > [noun] > beer with added alcohol 1923 20 Sept. 2/1 He instructed his captains to be especially vigilant in preventing the sale of ‘needle beer’, which, he explained, is near beer into which the saloonkeeper squirts alcohol with a needle point syringe pushed through a small cork in the barrel. 1936 J. Dos Passos 81 He..had a session with the helpwanted columns over some glasses of needle beer. 1978 J. Carroll ii. iv. 177 The Irish toughs included Frenchy Devine, who had begun as a speakeasy bartender in Charlestown and who had ultimately taken over the wholesale trade in needle beer. the world > health and disease > healing > diagnosis or prognosis > examination > [noun] > biopsy 1947 8 Aug. 131/2 Tumor tissue secured from suspected areas by aspiration needle biopsies was readily recognized by the exaggerated fluorescence observed under ultraviolet light. 1952 29 Feb. 226/1 The initial method of examination of tissue gave records of histological structure in one dimension analogous to needle biopsy. 1967 70 81/1 Percutaneous needle biopsy of the kidney..has been performed with increasing frequency during the past ten years. 1991 Aug. 121/3 He may try to remove some tissue from the lump with a needle (needle biopsy). 2002 June 169/2 More than 90 percent of breast biopsies could be done without surgery—using a technique called core needle biopsy. society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > parts and fittings of firearms > [noun] > lock > needle 1868 C. B. Norton & W. J. Valentine 24 The catch h is drawn down sufficiently to allow the needle-bolt shoulder a to pass over it. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > [noun] > sewing > equipment for > needle > needle case 1693 No. 2905/4 A little Silk Bag, with a Needle-Book and a little Key in it. 1796 F. Burney IV. vii. ix. 134 She used to take her thread papers and needle books, and sit down and work for them, and carry them bits and scraps of things to help 'em to patch their gowns. 1858 M. Gatty (1859) 75 The needle-book that he'd bought for me in his hand. 1996 S. Mitchell vi. 112 Tidies, like penwipers, needlebooks, and pincushions, were gifts that girls made for their mothers and aunts. the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > subclass Pterygota > [noun] > division Exopterygota or Hemimetabola > order Hemiptera > suborder Heteroptera > member of > aquatic bug or tarsal joint of 1896 R. Lydekker VI. 191 Limnobates stagnorum..is remarkable for its elongated slender body, whence its name of needle bug or water gnat. the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > non-British trees or shrubs > acacia trees > [noun] the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > non-British trees or shrubs > Australasian trees > [noun] > Hakea 1884 Dec. 453 The hakea stricta, or needlebush of the colonists, with its roots just under the surface. 1889 J. H. Maiden 314 Acacia rigens,..‘Nealie’, or ‘Needle Bush’. 1944 iii. 48 The needlebush, a dark green shrub with sharp-pointed needles in place of leaves. 1965 VI. 266/2 The so-called ‘nealie’, Acacia rigens, is sometimes referred to as needle-bush, because of its long terete phyllodes. the world > plants > disease or injury > [noun] > type of disease > fungal > associated with trees 1895 W. R. Fisher IV. 408 This sudden shedding of pine needles is the characteristic of the disease so widely spread in Germany, and termed Schütte, or needle-cast. 1921 15 61 The larch needle-cast appears to be very widespread in Britain. 1964 W. E. Hiley iv. 81 We are inclined to associate the trouble with a needle-cast fungus (Phaeocryptopus gaumannii [sic]). 1988 I. M. Smith et al. 407/2 M[eria] laricis causes needle cast of larch nursery plants. the world > plants > particular plants > plants and herbs > according to family > Umbelliferae (umbellifers) > [noun] > shepherd's needle 1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens 615 This herbe is called..in Englishe, Shepheardes Needel, wilde Cheruel, and Needel Cheruill. 1964 1 435/2 The NC-7 graphite..was a prototype material for the moderator of the Experimental Gas Cooled Reactor.., and was manufactured from a Continental-Lake Charles needle-coke. 1991 Sept. 162– c/1 Petroleum coke from the delayed process is described as delayed sponge, shot or needle coke depending on its physical structure. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > [noun] > needlework a1382 (Bodl. 959) (1959) Exod. xxxix. 28 Þey maden..byse lynnen brechez, þe gyrdill..of byse..twynned with neeld craft. a1835 W. Motherwell (1849) 373 Threads of gold therein were entertwined With quaintest needlecraft. 1988 Feb. 40/2 (advt.) Residential courses in..Lacemaking & Needlecrafts. 1868 C. B. Norton & W. J. Valentine 241 A short circuit is thus made with a needle-dial. 2000 (Nexis) 27 Mar. 13 The main instrument cluster consists of a group of needle dials set within the face of a large main chrome-bezelled dial. 1969 L. Woiwode in No. 7. 90 He was..poorly endowed, and had picked up the nickname of ‘Needledick, the canary raper’. 1987 Feb. 82/2 Jammed me right in the wind pod again. Little sniveling, needle-dick redneck shit. 1997 (Nexis) 24 June 123 But in the foreseeable future, pending advances in genital reconstruction surgery, I am the proverbial needledick. 1986 20 Dec. 1471/1 Mr Strang is interested..to establish a clearly defined statutory basis for a syringe-and-needle exchange scheme.] 1987 294 390/1 The needle exchange is part of an overall ‘harm reduction’ approach to addiction... Any needle exchange programme should be evaluated. 1996 2 May 9/2 Dr Polkinghorne [is] calling for health checks to be offered at needle exchanges and other first points of contact. OE (Corpus Cambr.) xix. 24 Ic eow secge þæt eaðelicre byð þam olfende to ganne þurh nædle eage [L. per foramen acus] þonne se welega on heofona rice ga.] a1225 (c1200) (1888) 69 (MED) Ne mai na more..ðe riche mann cumen in to heuene riche, ðanne mai ðe oluende cumen ðurh ðe nædle eiȝen. a1640 Earl of Stirling Doomes-day vii, in (1929) II. 230 They who by riches nought save pleasure sought..To heaven..as hardly can be brought, As cable-ropes come through a needle eye. 1821 Aug. 36/2 Another game played by a number of children with a hold of one another..is, Through the Needle-e'e. 1900 T. W. Fox (ed. 2) vi. 143 In it a neck cord..passes through a needle eye, through a perforated trap board, that takes the place of a griffe. 1995 23 Mar. 15/8 Some needle-eye entrance where buyers, editors and photographers fight like bats in a scrum to get into Galliano or Lacroix or the latest Afro-Belgian deconstructionist designer. society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > floor-covering > [noun] > carpet > made of felt 1957 (Textile Inst.) (ed. 3) 67 Needle felt, felt produced by the needleloom process. 1988 Feb. 62/3 Needlefelt (also known as needlepunch or fibre-bonded carpet) is made by punching layers of loose fibres into felt. 1992 D. M. Muir (rev. ed.) xi. 96 Needle-felt fabrics are generally used instead of woven cloth. the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > types of ornamentation > jewellery > making jewellery or setting with jewels > [noun] > jeweller's tools 1875 E. H. Knight II. 1518/1 Needle-file, a long, round, narrow file used by jewelers. 1964 S. Crawford i. 8 Needle files or Swiss files, small fine-cut files of various cross-sections for instrument work and in the watch-making industry. 1990 Feb. 51/2 (advt.) 12 piece jeweler's needle file set. Medium cut for wood, metal, plastic. 1968 L. Wolf i. 6 I found myself shooting a lot of speed..(and I'm not a needle-freak). I was shooting a hundred milligrams a day. 1997 G. Williams vi. 47 Ghosting through the builders, wage slaves, pavement princesses and needle freaks of King's Cross Ron gazed smugly from his executive limo. the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > thorn-tree or -bush > [noun] > needle-furze 1597 J. Gerard iii. xx. 1140 (caption) Needle furzes or petie Whinne. 1650 45 Genistella..Needle Furze or Petty Whin. 1785 T. Martyn tr. J.-J. Rousseau xxv. 355 Needle Furze or Petty Whin, which you find wild on heaths. 1880 T. R. A. Briggs 80 G[enista] anglica, L. Needle Furze... Native; in boggy ground... Rather sparingly in a boggy spot on Viverdon Down. 1971 R. S. R. Fitter 46 The smaller, spiny Petty Whin or Needle Furze G[enista] anglica..is widespread and locally frequent, often among heather, on heaths and moors. the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electricity > discharge of electricity > [noun] > point of discharge > gap 1916 C. C. Garrard viii. 563 One source of uncertainty can be removed if needles are used for the measuring gap, in which case the result obtained is termed the ‘equivalent needle gap’. 1977 A. 357 21 The resistance unit below one rod..was permanently short-circuited; the other unit..was protected by a needle gap set to spark over at 10 kV. the world > the earth > water > lake > pool > [noun] > artificially confined water > contrivance for impounding water > dam > types of 1909 H. M. Wilson (ed. 6) 230 Simple flash-board or needle gates should be used only where the pressure upon them is low. society > travel > means of travel > route or way > other means of passage or access > [noun] > bridge > parts of 1898 18 Nov. 2/1 ‘Needle’ girders were then ‘threaded’ crosswise over the main girders. the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > thorn-tree or -bush > [noun] > needle-furze 1893 2 On the drier banks..the needlegorse (Genista anglica) is not quite unknown. 1919 W. Graveson (Pocket ed.) x. 88 It [sc. Petty Whin] is armed with needles which, though more slender than those of the Gorse, are equally effective in affording it protection; they account for one name of the shrub, that of Needle Gorse. the world > plants > particular plants > plants and herbs > a grass or grasses > non-British grasses > [noun] > North American 1848 G. T. F. Speede 36 Andropogon, aciculatus, see Needle grass. 1857 W. Howitt II. xii. 3 The sharp and inhospitable needle-grass, a grass the blades of which are like wires, and every one of which terminates with a point sharp and keen as a needle. 1896 25 Sept. 450/1 Much of the sandy surface is occupied by Triodia irritans, known as spinifex, or needle grass. 1932 Nov. 232/2 Extensive areas in valleys and foothills in California and Lower California, formerly dominated by bunch grasses such as needlegrasses, June grass, and wild ryes. 1988 26 Sept. 60/3 Needle grass went through my trousers. The heads of needle grass detach from the stalks. the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > thorn-tree or -bush > [noun] > needle-furze 1796 W. Withering (ed. 3) III. 625 Genista anglica... Needle Furze, Petty Whin, Needle Greenweed. 1871 R. Deakin 65/1 G[enista] anglica, Linn. Needle Green Weed or Petty Whin... On the forests, &c., common. 1944 W. J. Stokoe 187 Needle-whin. Genista anglica. Known also as Needle Furze or Needle Greenweed. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > [noun] > sewing > equipment for > needle > needle case c1400 (Harl. 490) (1929) 194 (MED) Ma bourse e moun agoiller [glossed] medylhowe [Koch ed. nedylhowe]. a1425 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker (1884) I. 659 Hec aguaria, nedylhows. 1547 W. Salesbury Nildws, a nedle ouse. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > [noun] > needlework > types of > household 1747 in (1750) 247 Jacintha employ'd in Needle-housewifry. the world > the earth > water > ice > land ice > [noun] > needle-ice 1892 W. Pike x. 149 The latter [dogs] have to be shod in spring-travelling, to prevent their feet being cut to pieces on the rough needle-ice that appears after the snow has melted off the lakes. 1939 H. H. Bennett xii. 284 Where there is sufficient soil moisture, a freeze will produce layers of needle ice, or spew frost, which will lift the overlying soil and vegetation as much as several inches. 1986 B. Lopez vi. 212 Second-year ice is likely to produce needle ice at the bottom of these melt pools. the world > the earth > minerals > ore > [noun] > metal ore > iron ore > others 1867 J. Attfield 79 The other [oxyhydrate], Fe2O22HO, as well as occurring as an ore (needle iron ore). 1885 A. Ramsay (ed. 3) 178 Needle-iron Ore; Onegite; Ferric Monohydrate. 1868 J. D. Dana (ed. 5) 170 In acicular or capillary (not flexible) crystals, or slender prisms, often radiately grouped: the Needle-Ironstone (Nadeleisenstein). 1873 R. Mallet tr. L. L. de Koninck 257 Other varieties [of göthite] are named needle iron stone, lepidocrocite, etc. 1993 A. M. Clark (ed. 3) 488/1 Needle-ironstone, syn. of goethite. the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > tailoring or making clothes > [noun] > tailor 1801 17 19 His galligaskins have been made by the same needle-jerker. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric manufactured in specific way > [noun] > consisting of loops or looped stitches > lace > needle or point 1865 F. B. Palliser xxiii. 279 The needle lace is described [in Elizabeth I's wardrobe accounts] as ‘curiously worked’. 1902 M. Jourdain & A. Dryden (rev. ed.) iii. 32 It is impossible to define the distinction between the ‘cushion’ used for some needle-laces and the ‘pillow’ of bobbin-lace. 1997 J. L. Gwynne 161/1 Excellent examples of early needlelaces..can be seen in the portraits hung at Parham Park. society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > other parts > [noun] > lubricators 1873 C. P. B. Shelley x. 297 A much more ingenious arrangement is that known as Lieuvain's Needle Lubricator. 1887 D. A. Low vii. 32 In the block illustrated the journal is lubricated by a needle lubricator. 1876 W. H. Preece & J. Sivewright 26 The binoxide of manganese which is used is of the form known as needle manganese. the world > health and disease > ill health > blemish > [noun] > scar > of injection 1855 11 Aug. 99/1 Seeing on them [sc. fingers] a few needle-marks, caused by the making of tidy chair-covers. 1939 101 69 The distance between the original needle marks being established, final measurements would disclose how much growth had taken place between the marks. 1949 N. Marsh ix. 206 He hasn't been long on the injection method... Curtis had a look for needle~marks and didn't find many. 1994 Oct. 82/2 The drummer, Faris, tells me that the needle marks on his arm aren't real junkie marks but fakes so he can draft dodge. society > leisure > sport > match or competition > [noun] > types of 1923 16 Jan. 9 There will be a ‘needle’ match in Sheffield if Barnsley beat Swindon and visit the Wednesday. 1952 L. A. G. Strong xvii. 136 (headline) Needle match. Family quarrel will be fought out at Olympia. 1984 19 June 15/8 The captain of a police rugby side was cleared..of deliberately kicking a rival police player in the face and shattering his nose during a ‘needle’ match. society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > small-arm > [noun] > musket 1851 S. F. Baird tr. J. G. Heck III. Mil. Sci. 48 The equipment consists of bayonet-muskets..rifles, and percussion-needle muskets.] 1898 Apr. 350 The so-called needle~musket of the Prussians. 1962 G. A. T. Burdett xii. 4 In the case of the needle oiler, the outlet is normally blocked by a needle, the end of which rests on the journal to be lubricated. the world > the earth > minerals > types of mineral > sulphides and related minerals > [noun] > stibnite group > bismuth trisulphide 1805 R. Jameson II. 522 Acicular or Needle Ore. 1836 T. Thomson I. 596 Needle ore of Bismuth..was first described and analyzed by Karsten and John. 1993 A. M. Clark (ed. 3) 488/1 Needle ore, syn. of aikinite. society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > material for making paper > paper > [noun] > wrapping-papers 1852 28 Feb. 545/2 A girl is putting them [sc. labels] on the packets of needles... Another is ‘tucking’; slipping one end of the needle paper into the other. 1909 3 Apr. 14/2 If needle-paper of the required kind is not available a very excellent substitute can be prepared by placing good stout paper in a solution of gelatine and glycerine to which has been added some good strong black colouring. 1973 May 118/1 Black needle paper and white typewriter bond differ by about a factor of 15 in reflectance all across the spectrum. society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > small-arm > [noun] > rifle > types of 1856 7 139 C. F. Lange, Detroit, 1 needle rifle, 1 needle gun, small size. 1866 VIII. 259/2 The Prussians, meanwhile, had armed their troops with the needle-rifle. 1995 59 413 Nikolaus Dreyse (1787–1867), inventor of the ‘needle rifle’—so-named for its needle-shaped firing pin. the world > the earth > land > landscape > high land > rocky peak > [noun] 1784 W. Cowper 28 July (1981) II. 267 There [i.e. near Lymington] you may stand upon the Beach and contemplate the needle rock. 1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher 495 In California many of the needle rocks are of volcanic origin. 1933 D. Thomas Dec. (1987) 62 When the tide comes in, the reef of needle rocks that leads on to the base of the Worm, is covered under the water. 1995 (Nexis) Feb. 80 It was usually shown together with the isolated needle rock beyond it. society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > other parts > [noun] > parts for reducing friction 1935 39 470 The crankshaft was mounted on roller bearings, and the connecting rod big ends were mounted on needle rollers in split housings. 1974 ‘A. Haig’ 37 A rubber-wheeled trolley which glided on needle roller bearings. 1998 Oct. 31/2 The trailing arms pivot, using needle rollers, on subframes. the world > health and disease > ill health > blemish > [noun] > scar > of injection 1962 ‘K. Orvis’ vii. 52 I made a mental note of the needle-scar item. society > occupation and work > equipment > building and constructing equipment > fastenings > [noun] > screw > other types of screw 1663 Marquis of Worcester §81 The head being opened with a Needle-scrue drawing a Spring towards them. 1854 11 Mar. 203/1 The combination with a table of the movable cutting board, and the depressable needle screws, combined together as specified, for the purpose of cutting bank notes. 1921 55 384 Five of its six screws can be operated with one hand, leaving to the other, the mechanical stage ratchets and the sixth needle screw adjacent to these. 1970 11 227/2 Mastering certain aspects of the needle-sharing ritual also confers status on participants. 1992 10 Aug. 18/2 ‘HIV seroprevalence begins to increase markedly in the 16- to 21-year-old range, the group included in the Job Corps’, (prior to this age, sex and needle-sharing are extremely rare). the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > sharpness, shrewdness, insight > [adjective] 1836 L. Hunt in Aug. 498 Arrows of thin diamond, needle-sharp! 1877 Sept. 658/1 The ‘Spanish bayonet’, with long, needle-sharp leaves. 1923 J. Galsworthy 161 That fellow was needle-sharp, though not always correct in his conclusions. 2001 18 May (Friday Suppl.) 16/4 In the second half, the spine tingles as the performer raises the lights and engages in needle-sharp banter with the audience. the world > animals > invertebrates > subkingdom Metazoa > grade Triploblastica or Coelomata > class Gastropoda > [noun] > superorder Branchifera > order Prosobranchiata > section Siphonostomata > member of family Terebridae 1752 J. Hill III. 134 The slender Turbo, with ventricose spires, and a small rounded mouth. The Needle-shell. 1863 J. G. Wood (new ed.) III. 380 The Spotted Needle-shell, or Spotted Auger, derives its name from the long and sharply pointed form of the shell. 1901 E. Step iv. 49 Our own little needle-shell (Caecilianella acicula), which lives an entirely subterranean life, has lost them [sc. eyes] altogether. 1976 A. C. Campbell 154 Bittium reticulatum (da Costa). Needle Shell. Shell up to 1.5 cm high and relatively narrow. the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > washing > washing oneself or body > [noun] > bathing > a bath > shower-bath 1906 28 Sept. 416/2 Each floor will have six bath rooms and four needle-shower rooms with tile wainscoated sides and floors. 1935 A. J. Cronin i. xix. 183 After that a needle shower and a hard rub down. 1988 Autumn–Winter 116/2 Inside, a needle-shower would hiss and douse him down. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > manufacture of textile fabric > [noun] > weaving > loom > shuttle > resembling needle 1699 L. Wafer 86 The Men make Arrow-heads of this Wood; the Women Needle-Shuttles to weave their Cotton. 1855 21 July 354/4 I claim..the arrangement of the needle shuttle and feeding arms, the connecting rod..and pulley..with its wrist pin..substantially in the manner and for the purpose set forth. the world > the earth > minerals > types of mineral > carbonates > [noun] > orthorhombic > aragonite 1836 T. Thomson I. 117 Arragonite, igloite, flos ferri, needle spar. 1896 A. H. Chester 186 Needle-spar, An obs. syn. of aragonite. 1993 A. M. Clark (ed. 3) 488/1 Needle-spar, syn. of aragonite. the mind > emotion > anger > irascibility > irritability > [noun] > snappishness > snappish person 1805 25 315 My landlady—a perfect needle-spitter. 1963 C. Stinnett 29 Does the hotel tell you it's got to be needle-spray or open nozzle? 1970 H. McLeave (1973) vii. 54 In the shower room he..focussed the needle spray on his head and body. 1993 D. A. Smith i. 18 Akktri's whiskers wiffled and he waggled his hands turning up the soft pads to be tingled by the needle spray. 1975 15 Nov. 939/2 In the one study of individuals exposed to an infectious needlestick, H.B.I.G. [= hepatitis B immune globulin] seemed to provide protection for only a limited period of time. 1987 Dec. 14/3 The first infected AIDS lab worker believes that safety procedures were generally followed and recalls no overt exposure to the virus, such as a needlestick or splash in the face. 1991 31 Jan. 12/4 They say the [syringe] design will prevent needle-stick injuries among health workers and victims of discarded needles. the world > health and disease > healing > medical appliances or equipment > equipment for applying medicaments > [noun] > syringe > hypodermic syringe 1894 15 Jan. 3/2 This is inserted beneath the skin of the stomach by means of a small needle-syringe. society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > telegraphy > telegraph > [noun] > types of 1847 17 Apr. 236/3 Having these advantages, it must soon entirely supersede the old needle telegraph. 1860 G. B. Prescott 100 The essential part of the needle telegraph is the multiplier. 1896 Oct. 730/1 Cooke..proposed a partnership, and the result was the joint patent for the needle telegraph. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > [noun] > sewing > equipment for > other 1863 V. Penny 288 C., of Boston, manufacturer of needle threaders, wick pullers, and pencil sharpeners, offers a liberal discount to agents. 1964 v. 66/1 If you have an eyesight problem, or just find threading needles a chore, use a needle threader. 1991 13 Dec. 9 (advt.) Includes needle threader, spindle cap [etc.]. the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > conifers > [noun] > collectively 1802 F. W. Blagdon tr. P. S. Pallas I. 36 Needle-timber, that is, resinous-trees, or such as have acuminated leaves. society > communication > broadcasting > radio broadcasting > [noun] > time allowed for broadcasting records 1962 30 Dec. 1/6 ‘Needle time’—the number of hours given to records. 1984 7 Dec. 49/1 If we were to broadcast wall-to-wall music without a break..that would infringe any needletime agreement that the PPL would ever consent to issue. the world > matter > chemistry > crystallography (general) > crystal (general) > crystal habit > [noun] > needle 1882 4 7 F. Becke regards Wood Tin as an extreme form of the well known acicular crystals sometimes spoken of as ‘Needle Tin’. 1944 C. Palache et al. (ed. 7) I. 576 at Cassiterite The acute pyramidal and long prismatic habits have been called sparable tin..and needle-tin ore (Nadelzinnerz Germ.). 1993 A. M. Clark (ed. 3) 488/1 Needle tin ore, var. of cassiterite. the world > health and disease > ill health > blemish > [noun] > scar > of injection 1888 (Royal Soc.) B. 178 263 In tube after four days..the needle-track in the depth exhibits but very slight growth. 1959 A. K. Lang in Feb. 70/1 The kid had been a user; they'd know that from the gear in her purse and the needle-tracks in her arm. 1968 68 3129 One such stigma..is the needle track of the narcotics addict. 1977 4 Nov. 516/3 This damage was of uniform width and appearance for the full extent of the needle track and thus appears to be due to the needle itself. 1994 B. A. Staples x. 179 I noticed the needle tracks right away. They began on the back of his left hand and ran up the arm, twisting to follow the vein. the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > conifers > [noun] > fir or pine 1849 E. C. Otté tr. A. von Humboldt II. 455 In the needle-tree we have the greatest contraction of the leaf vessels. 1866 G. Stephens I. i. 209 The stuff could scarcely be of birch, or of any other leaf-tree, but rather of a needle-tree. 1994 G. Bowering iv. 47 In front of them were a hundred steep mountains covered with night-darkened needle trees. the world > animals > invertebrates > subkingdom Metazoa > grade Triploblastica or Coelomata > phylum Echinodermata > [noun] > subphylum Eleutherozoa > class Echinoidea > order Centrechinoidea > member of family Echinidae 1713 J. Petiver 1/2 Echinus setosus..Needle-Urchin. society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > control(s) > [noun] > valve > needle 1886 22 Oct. 366/1 The base of the burner is provided with a stationary needle-valve surrounded by a vertically adjustable jet-tube. 1925 N. E. Odell in E. F. Norton et al. 362 The pressure gauge was connected close to the mouths of the cylinders on the back [of the breathing apparatus], and the rate of flow regulated by a needle-valve close beside it. 1991 15 Mar. 309/3 Since the barrel carried the needle valve along its axis, closing the throttle also closed the needle valve. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > [noun] > embroidery or ornamental sewing > other types of embroidery 1932 D. C. Minter 16/1 Needleweaving is a form of embroidery worked on the threads of the material when the threads in the opposite direction (i.e. either the warp or the weft) have been withdrawn. 1987 Spring–Summer 30/3 Free needle-weaving was added in the spaces, or threaded with textured wool. 1787 W. Marshall Provincialisms in II. 384 Needleweed, Scandix pecten Veneris; shepherd's needle. 1758 W. Borlase xxiii. 277 The small needle whelke. 1901 E. Step xiv. 238 We are back again upon the seashore seeking for what Borlase nearly one hundred and fifty years ago called the Small Needle-whelk (Bittium reticulatum), a name we believe not in use among the folks along our coasts. 1971 D. Nichols 40/1 Bittium (Needle Whelk) has a small, darkly coloured pointed shell with regular tubercles. the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > thorn-tree or -bush > [noun] > needle-furze 1847 C. C. Babington (ed. 2) 73 G[enista] anglica (L.)... Moist peaty heaths... Needle Whin. 1890 8 Sept. 3/1 Though there is plenty of needle-whin in places, its green spines are too tender to goad the hides of horses much. 1961 R. W. Butcher I. 560 The Needle Whin is a small, spreading,..thorny, glabrous shrub..found commonly on heaths and moors on acid soils in Great Britain. 1858 E. T. Freedley 431 The teeth of the cylinder are made of the finest steel needle-wire. 1939 Nov. 78/3 One mill rolling needle wire in Crucible's Sanderson Steel Works has sixteen operators skipping rope with its blistering coils. 1993 (Nexis) 23 Dec. a16/5 The simple, humane solution..is the installation of stainless steel needle wire. the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > non-British trees or shrubs > Australasian trees > [noun] > Hakea 1789 A. Emmerich xx. 78 There are three species of Needle Wood or Firs: the Norway Fir, the Scotch Fir, and the Silver Fir. 1898 W. Redmond 35 This timber is called needlewood, because the foliage resembles fine needles. 1911 C. E. W. Bean xv. 141 The pretty grey needle-wood. 1959 A. Upfield xiii. 111 He sat in the shade of the needlewood tree, or rather its trunk, for the narrow leaves give but scant shelter. 1973 A. Burnett 26 The sap of the needlewood is a life-saving fluid. the world > animals > invertebrates > subkingdom Metazoa > grade Triploblastica or Coelomata > division Vermes > [noun] > member of (worm) > parasitic or harmful > to animals a1750 W. Gibson (1751) iii. vii. 283 (side note) The Ascarides, or Needle-worms. 1766 Ascarides, small worms common in horses, resembling needles, some of them white and some of an azure colour, with flattish heads. They are often called needle-worms by the farriers. 1831 W. Youatt xi. 210 A smaller, darker coloured worm, called the needle worm, or ascaris, inhabits the large intestines. the world > the earth > minerals > types of mineral > silicates > tectosilicate > [noun] > feldspathoid > zeolite > natrolite 1805 S. Weston I. 95 Scapolite is not solvable in nitric acid,..in..which it differs from the needle-zeolite. 1868 J. D. Dana (ed. 5) 426 at Natrolite Zeolite, Fibrous Zeolite, Needle Zeolite. 1955 R. M. Pearl 120 The radiating groups of slender crystals are so typical that natrolite has been called needle zeolite. 1993 A. M. Clark (ed. 3) 488/1 Needle zeolite, syn. of mesotype. Derivatives the world > space > shape > fact or condition of tapering > condition of tapering to a point > [adjective] > slender and 1672 J. Josselyn 7 They feed upon Honey, which they suck out of Blossoms..with their Needle-like Bills. 1797 XI. 440/2 The smoothness and needle-like figure of the particles. 1847–9 IV. i. 66/2 In the shape of simple needle-like crystals. 1986 14 June 2/7 The black needle-like bill extends to two and a half inches. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2003; most recently modified version published online June 2022). needlev. Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: needle n. Etymology: < needle n. Compare German †nädeln, nadeln, to sew or fix with needles (1656; now chiefly in sense ‘(of a tree) to shed its needles’). society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > building or providing with specific parts > build or provide with specific parts [verb (transitive)] > provide with beams or supports 1502 in J. L. Fisher (1968) Nedele. 1694 Sheriffhall Coal Acct. Bks. 10 Mar. in at Nedling For neidling the holl. c1700 G. Good 80 One day and a halfe neidling the stair and mending the sink. 1901 J. Black 52 The walls..may be needled under the superimposed brickwork. 2. ?1625 T. Middleton (new ed.) v So insensible of either pricke or goade, That Mice made holes to needle in their buttockes, And they nere felt em. 1835 D. Webster 24 Sae nimbly, They needled grumphy's legs between. 1910 C. Murray 49 The dancers lichtly needle thro'. 1991 A. Gould (1993) 65 Standing..on the platform in a freezing wind which needled up the sleeves and down the neck of his gaberdine mac. the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > surgery > treatments uniting or replacing parts > unite or replace parts [verb (transitive)] > unite fractures, wounds, etc. > heal a wound > stitch a1715 Bp. G. Burnet (1724) I. 270 Coventry had his nose so well needled up, that the scar was scarce to be discerned. a1783 H. Brooke (1789) ii. vii. 202 To mark The tales impannell'd on the pictured boards, And needled in the arras. 1827 H. Coleridge in 22 43 She who gives her tawny skin to be needled and flowered as if it were an insensible garment. 1908 M. J. Cawein 12 The sunbeams, needling with gold the dusk Green cowls of ancient woods. 1942 J. Masefield 9 The oldest men still daily wore The smocks of centuries before, Each fairly needled on the chest By loving hands long since gone west. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > sew or ornament textile fabric [verb (intransitive)] > sew 1834 W. Beckford I. 38 Pretty sempstresses, warbling melodious hymns as they sat needling and thimbling at their windows above. 1861 W. M. Thackeray iii. 149 Groups of women in..tight bodies, and full skirts, needling away. the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > surgery > puncture > [verb (transitive)] > prick in acupuncture 1879 9 483 The youngest had both lenses needled at the close of the year. 1903 ‘J. Flynt’ (1904) vi. 193 The doctor came and gave him the ‘needle’—a hypodermic injection... They were again knocked on the head and ‘needled’. 1971 F. Mann (ed. 2) iii. 43 I needled her once a month, halfway between the periods. 1975 27 Sept. 755 Another five renal tumours were needled deliberately before nephrectomy, and a firm preoperative diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma was made on aspiration cytology in three. 1982 28 Feb. 48 (caption) Emily Pinion was ‘needled’ in the womb to relieve fluid building up in the chest that had prevented her lungs from developing. 1987 A. Campbell ii. 17 The acupuncture was fairly elementary, and for the most part consisted simply in needling the painful area. 2001 23 93 The parotid gland was the most frequent salivary gland needled. 1929 W. Faulkner 330 A moving wall of grey light..seemed to disintegrate into minute and venomous particles..that..needled laterally into her flesh. 1974 R. B. Parker (1975) iii. 22 The rain..needled at my face as I ran. 1988 May 46/2 Helpful for getting cellular waste and other toxins on the move, as the jetting bubbles needle away at your body. the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement over, across, through, or past > [verb (transitive)] > through 1813 J. Hogg 14 Quhen we culdna speil the brow of the wavis, We needilit them throu belowe. c1820 J. Hogg xxxiii He rainbowed the hawthorn, He needled the brake. 1866 J. F. W. Herschel 159 The particles of one species of gas or vapor struggle to interpenetrate or needle, as it were, their way among those of every other. 1875 W. Tester 22 She's needl't me through the queerest lanes. a1904 T. Stickney (1905) 120 It reddens in my two eyes, My brain is needled thro' with pain. 1990 T. Paulin 65 Every mind was a splinter Of sharp, pure fire That needled him And made him rock Uneasy on his throne. 1998 Apr. 146/3 Bits that fly off in 20 different directions at once, while needling you in the ear with twisty guitar motif. 4. colloquial. society > trade and finance > bargaining > bargain over [verb (transitive)] 1819 J. H. Vaux New Vocab. Flash Lang. in II. (at cited word) To needle a person is to haggle with him in making a bargain, and if possible take advantage of him. the mind > emotion > anger > irritation > irritate [verb (transitive)] 1874 (rev. ed.) 235 Needle, to annoy. 1941 7 Apr. 22/3 Some 20 Manhattan reporters gave the Ambassador a going-over for 50 minutes... He did not let it appear that he knew he was being needled. 1945 60 35 The Truman Committee hearings in May 1941 needled OPM into action by revealing an imminent shortage of aluminum. 1958 J. Wain 154 It was that bit about forgetting his business worries that needled Ned. 1972 D. Haston ii. 36 Once again we'd needled each other into a state of open warfare. 1981 (Nexis) 8 May b10 The paper has needled the government about a number of human rights violations. 1996 29 Mar. i. 1/1 She bowed to pressure from John Major to..revive opportunities for needling Tony Blair about his choice of a partially selective grant-maintained school for his son. 1828 N. Webster Needle, to shoot in crystalization into the form of needles. 1929 G. L. Hostetter & T. Q. Beesley 233 Needle, to inject alcohol or ether into any liquid, such as beer, to make it stimulating. 1930 Dec. 456/2 Needle, to make near-beer intoxicating by injecting ether or alcohol. ‘This beer knocks you for a loop. It's needled with ether.’ This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2003; most recently modified version published online March 2022). <  n.eOE v.1502 |
