To slit means ‘to make a long cut or opening in something’ and it is often followed by open. It also means ‘to cut into strips.’ As a noun, a slit is a narrow opening, like the ones some dresses or skirts have, for example. In medicine, a slit is a…
June 2018
To limp means ‘to walk with difficulty because one foot or leg is dragging behind.’ Figuratively, often followed by along, it means ‘to progress slowly or with trouble and hesitation.’ A limp is the way someone walks if they limp. As an adjective, which may or may not be related to these first senses, limp means…
A stripe is a a narrow band that’s different in color, material, or texture from the background parts and, generally, a long, narrow strip of anything, but especially of land. In the military, a stripe is a number or combination of strips, worn on a military, naval, or other uniform as a badge of rank. Stripe can also mea…
A stud is a head of a nail or part of something that sticks out from a surface, especially as an ornament. It is also a buttonlike object mounted on a pin and used to fasten a piece of clothing or earrings consisting of a small, buttonlike ornament mounted on a metal post. In construction, a stud is a slender piece of wood or steel that forms part of the frame of a wall. As a verb, to stud means…
A brood is a number of young creatures hatched at one time and also a family or the children of a family. Figuratively, any group of humans, animals, or things with common qualities can be called a brood. In this latter sense the term is often used pejoratively and it may sometimes be considered pejorative when referring to a family or children too. As a verb, to brood means…
To snub means ‘to treat with contempt, usually by ignoring.’ As a noun, a snub is such treatment, either the act or the instance of snubbing. As an adjective though, snub is not related to this. It is used to talk about a nose that’s short and turned up at the tip. Another meaning of snub as an adjective is ‘blunt.’ Snub can also mean…