dipstick

[ dip-stik ]

noun

1. a rod for measuring the depth of a liquid; especially, a thin metal rod used to measure the oil level in the crankcase of an automotive engine.
2. Slang. fool; jerk.

dipstick

/ ˈdɪpˌstɪk /

noun

1. a graduated rod or strip dipped into a container to indicate the fluid level
2. slang.
   a fool

Word History and Origins

Origin of dipstick¹

First recorded in 1925–30; dip ¹ + stick ¹

Example Sentences

The company says heat and pressure can build up in the transmission, expelling fluid from the dipstick tube.

From Seattle Times

Eventually, I found the dipstick which reads nothing.

From Seattle Times

Silva jumped right into the preflight inspection, calculating the fuel levels with a dipstick.

From Washington Post

The task of periodically checking the liquids was typically carried out by a young Russian who climbed on top of the tanks with a dipstick.

From Washington Post

"If you are relying on dipstick testing and the patients has symptoms of a UTI, you cannot rule out the possibility of false negative test," he says.

From BBC