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

verb

1. to provide with a nib
2. to prepare or sharpen the nib of

Derived Forms

• ˈnibˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• niblike adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of nib¹

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

Example Sentences

Durable and stiffer than diamond, osmium makes for excellent pen nibs and record player needles.

From Popular-Science

It mimics the sensation of a graphic nib dragging across paper with eerie accuracy.

From Popular-Science

Instead go for something else textural, such as cocoa nibs, toasted oats, nuts or even crushed pretzels.

From Washington Post

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• element
• footprint
• fragment
• hint
• indication
• particle
• proof
• relic
• remains
• remnant
• shred
• smell
• speck
• strain
• taste
• tinge
• touch
• vestige
• whiff