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ink definition

ink (iŋk)

noun

  1. a colored liquid used for writing, drawing, etc.
  2. a sticky, colored paste used in printing; printer's ink
  3. Slang publicity, esp. in newspapers
  4. a dark, liquid secretion ejected by cuttlefish, octopuses, and squid to confuse or inhibit a predator

Etymology: ME enke < OFr enque < LL encaustum < Gr enkauston, purple or red ink < enkaustos, burned in < enkaiein, to burn in < en-, in + kaiein, to burn < IE base *kai- > heat

transitive verb

  1. to cover with ink; spread ink on
  2. to mark, write, sign, draw, or color with ink: often with in
  3. Slang to sign one's name to

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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