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View synonyms for nib

nib

[ nib ]

noun

  1. the point of a pen, or either of its divisions.
  2. a penpoint for insertion into a penholder.
  3. a point of anything:

    a cutting tool with a diamond nib.

  4. a bill or beak, as of a bird; neb.
  5. any pointed extremity.
  6. Metallurgy.
    1. a piece of sintered tungsten carbide used as a die for drawing wire or the like.
    2. (in powder metallurgy) a compact at any stage of its manufacture.


nib

/ nɪb /

noun

  1. the writing point of a pen, esp an insertable tapered metal part with a split tip
  2. a point, tip, or beak
  3. plural crushed cocoa beans
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


verb

  1. to provide with a nib
  2. to prepare or sharpen the nib of
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈnibˌlike, adjective
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Other Words From

  • niblike adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of nib1

1575–85; perhaps variant of neb; compare Dutch nib, Middle Low German nibbe (variant of nebbe ) beak, Old Norse nibba sharp point. See nibble
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Word History and Origins

Origin of nib1

C16 (in the sense: beak): origin obscure; compare Northern German nibbe tip. See neb , nibble
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Example Sentences

When the cocoa beans are roasted, their shells crack to expose the nib, which is then ground into a thick paste.

In the stormy days of his youth the old man had been a "Black Nib."

It might not be safe to kill him; but it would be safe enough to kill Nib.

They wrangled together for a few minutes, and then Nib was handed over.

Jud drew Nib closer, and turned, if possible, a trifle paler.

"Stopped to nib a quill after lunch," grumbled the director of the Arnold Academie, as he gave Robert a pump-handle squeeze.

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Niarchosnibbana