needler


needleleft to right: sailmaking, sewing machine, and tapestry needlesbottom right: spring needle

nee·dle

N0048200 (nēd′l)n.1. a. A slender, pointed implement used for sewing or surgical suturing, made usually of polished steel and having an eye at one end through which a length of thread is passed and held.b. Any of various similar implements, such as a fine sharp-pointed instrument used in acupuncture or a pointed shaft used in knitting, crocheting, or lace making.c. A sharp-pointed instrument used in engraving.2. A slender piece of jewel or steel used to transmit vibrations from the grooves of a phonograph record.3. a. A slender pointer or indicator on a dial, scale, or similar part of a mechanical device.b. A magnetic needle.4. a. A hypodermic needle.b. Informal A hypodermic injection; a shot.5. Chiefly Upper Northern US See dragonfly.6. A narrow stiff leaf, as of a pine or fir.7. A fine, sharp projection, as a spine of a sea urchin or a crystal.8. a. A tall narrow rock formation.b. An obelisk.9. Informal A goading, provoking, or teasing remark or act.v. nee·dled, nee·dling, nee·dles v.tr.1. To prick, pierce, or stitch with a needle.2. Informal To goad, provoke, or tease.v.intr. To sew or do similar work with a needle.
[Middle English nedle, from Old English nǣdl; see (s)nē- in Indo-European roots.]
nee′dler n.

needler

(ˈniːdlə) n1. a person who needles or annoys2. (Professions) a needle maker