English Explanatory Dictionary

ink

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A pigment (or dye)-based fluid used for writing, printing etc.
  2. A particular type, color or container of this fluid.
  3. The black or dark-colored fluid ejected by squid, octopus etc, as a protective strategy.
  4. Publicity.
  5. Tattoo work.
  6. Cheap red wine.
verb
  1. To apply ink to; to cover or smear with ink.
  2. To sign (a contract or similar document).
  3. To apply a tattoo to (someone).
  4. to eject ink (sense 3)

Pronunciation

/ˈɪŋk/ [ˈɪŋk] /ˈiŋk/ [ˈiŋk] En-us-ink.ogg /ˈæŋk/ [ˈæŋk] /ˈeɪ̯ŋk/ [ˈeɪ̯ŋk] /ˈɛ̃ŋk/ [ˈɛ̃ŋk]

Word forms

ink inks inke inking inked

Etymology

From Middle English ynke, from Old French enque, from Latin encaustum (“purple ink used by Roman emperors to sign documents”), from Ancient Greek ἔγκαυστον (énkauston, “burned-in”), from ἐν (en, “in”) + καίω (kaíō, “burn”). In this sense, displaced native Old English blæc (“ink”, literally “black”). Sense four refers to the ink used in newspapers.

Synonyms

ballyhoo flak hoopla hype plug spotlight paint endorse initial inscribe subscribe

Related words

dye atrament

Derived words

before the ink had time to dry before the ink was dry bioink black as ink bleed red ink China ink deink digital ink don't dip your pen in company ink e-ink gall-nut ink gay as pink ink green-ink brigade green ink brigade green-ink letter India ink Indian ink inkable ink ball inkball inkberry ink-block inkblot ink bomb ink bottle inkbrush inkbush ink-cap inkcap ink cartridge ink converter ink disease inkdot ink-dot ink dot inken inker ink eradicator ink eraser inkfish ink fountain inkholder inkhorn ink in inkish ink isn't dry on inkjet ink jet ink-jet printer inkless inklike inkline inkmaker inkmaking ink pad ink-pad ink pen ink-pot inkpot ink pot
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